After witnessing the opening matches of the King Cup of Champions RO32, we are returning to the basics. The Saudi Pro League action returns as Matchday 5 bringing some exciting fixtures. Among them is Al Nassr hosting Al Wedhda at Al Awwal Park on Friday night.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. must be in a good yet serious mood. A change in dynamics was witnessed after they sacked Luis Castro and brought Stefano Pioli as his replacement. Since then, things have been decent enough for the Knights of the Najd. They enter the fixture with a close 1-2 victory over Al Hazm in the King Cup. Prior to this, they secured a 3-0 win over Al Ettifaq, also a debut match of Pioli. They currently occupy 5th place with 8 points in hand (2W, 2D, 0L).

Meanwhile, Al Wehda has been trying to get things under their control. They also enter the match with a close win over Al Faisaly in the King Cup Round of 32. The contest would have gone either way after the visitors drew first blood, but they managed to level the game to take it to penalties, which they won 4-2. However, their plans in the Saudi League remain underwhelming, having endured a narrow defeat against Al Kholood. They occupy 14th place with a tally of just 4 points (1W, 1D, 2L).

Al Nassr vs Al Wehda: Team news

Injuries

Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the major missing players in the previous fixtures as Stefano Piolo decided to rest the skipper. Besides him, midfielder Marcelo Brozovic and defender Ali Lajami were also major absentees, as the duo was unavailable. However, all three will be available at the Italian manager’s disposal.

Al Wehda

While there are no injury concerns for Al Wehda, they will be forced to face Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. without their Ahmed Bandar Darwish. The left-back, picked up two yellow cards during their last Saudi Pro League clash against Al Kholood before heading up for the King Cup of Champions clash. Rest are available at Josef Zinnbauer’s disposal.   

Predicted lineups

Al Nassr [4-2-3-1]: Al Aquidi; Ghannam, Simakan, Laporte, Al Najidi; Khaibari, Otavio; Angelo, Talisca, Mane; Ronaldo.

Al Wehda [4-2-3-1]: Al Owaishri; Al Mowalad, Al Hafith, Al Salem, Al Alaeli; Hejji, Cretu; Amyn, Bacuna, Noor; Ighalo.

Head-to-head stats and prediction

Total matches: 33

Won by Al Nassr: 19

Won by Al Wehda: 8

Draw: 6

Both sides enter the match with their respective victories in the King Cup of Champions, which became a major confidence booster. However, Stefano Piolo and Co. are the favorites to win the game, and we reckon the score will be Al Nassr 3-0 Al Wehda.

Watch Al Nassr vs Al Wehda Saudi Pro League on TV and live stream

Fans in the United States can catch the action live on Fox Soccer Plus and Fox Deportes. Meanwhile, live streaming is available on Fubo, Fox Sports.com, and the Fox Sports App. Likewise, UK supporters can tune in to DAZN UK.