Al Kholoodvs.Al-Nassr

Match preview

Al Nassr have kicked off the new campaign on fire as they go in search of domestic and continental glory after falling short on both fronts last term in Cristiano Ronaldo's first full season at the King Saud University Stadium.

Following the dismissal of Luis Castro in September, new head coach Stefano Pioli has won all seven opening matches, most recently a narrow 1-0 triumph over Iranian outfit Esteghlal FC in Al-Nassr's third AFC Champions League game.

Despite dominating for large spells, the Knights of Najd had to wait until the 81st minute to break the deadlock through Aymeric Laporte, who was on hand to turn the rebound home from close range after Ronaldo's earlier saved attempt.

Just before that, Al-Nassr saw off the challenge of Al Shabab courtesy of a dramatic 2-1 victory at the Al-Shabab Club Stadium on Friday when Abderrazak Hamdallah fluffed his lines from 12 yards with almost the last kick of the game.

One of two teams still unbeaten after seven matches, Al-Nassr are currently third in the Saudi Pro League table, one point behind Al-Ittihad in second and a further three adrift of leaders and defending champions Al-Hilal—the only side still with a perfect record.

Securing a fifth straight league victory will be the major target for Friday's visitors as they face off against an opponent still finding their feet in the top flight since gaining promotion via a third-place finish in the Saudi 1st Division last time out.

Indeed, it has been a tough opening couple of weeks for Al Kholood, who got the ball rolling with consecutive defeats to Al-Ittihad and Al Riyadh before playing out an entertaining 3-3 draw against fellow newcomers Al Orubah.

Paulo Duarte's men finally got their first win at the fourth time of asking against Al Wehda but went on to lose their subsequent three outings prior to a 1-1 stalemate against Al Fateh in Sunday's meeting at the Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium.

Al Kholood kicked off proceedings brightly and took a rare lead early on thanks to Alex Collado's ninth-minute strike before they were pegged back in the early exchanges of the second period by Djaniny's equaliser.

It is now one victory from seven league games for the Pride of Ar Rass, who are just outside the drop zone on goal difference ahead of arguably their biggest assignment of the season to date against Al-Nassr.

Behind only Al Wehda (18) and Al Feiha (15) in terms of goals conceded so far, Al Kholood (13) must address their defensive deficiencies sooner rather than later to stand a significant chance of avoiding relegation.

Al Kholood Saudi Pro League form:

L

D

W

L

L

D

Al-Nassr Saudi Pro League form:

W

D

W

W

W

W

Al-Nassr form (all competitions):

D

W

W

W

W

W

Team News

Al-Nassr's Mohamed Simakan is not eligible to play any part in Friday's affair after the defender was sent off for two bookable offences in the victory over Al Shabab.

In Simakan's absence, Mohammed Al-Fatil should partner Aymeric Laporte at the heart of the defence, with Salem Alnajdi and Nawaf Boushal manning either full-back position.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be aiming to find the back of the net for a fifth league game running as he looks to edge ahead in what is shaping up to be an enthralling race for the golden boot with Aleksandar Mitrovic and Karim Benzema.

Twenty-five-year-old Alex Collado has scored four of Al Kholood's eight league goals this term and will be heavily relied upon once again to provide the goods at the top end of the pitch.

Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong was handed a start right after returning from international duty, maintaining his streak of being an ever present for the home side this season.

Al Kholood possible starting lineup:

Grohe; Al Shamrani, Gyomber, Troost-Ekong, Al Asmari; Dieng, N'Doram, Collado; Maolida, Muleka, Al Hammami

Al-Nassr possible starting lineup:

Bento; Alnajdi, Laporte, Al-Fatil, Boushal; Brozovic, Al Khaibari; Mane, Talisca, Otavio; Ronaldo

We say: Al Kholood 0-3 Al-Nassr

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