Al-Nassrvs.Al Ettifaq

The Knights of Najd have won each of their last five outings in the top flight, a streak that places them third in the standings with 44 points from 20 matches.

Match preview

Al-Nassr enter Friday's encounter in red-hot form, having last dropped points in the league on January 17 when they played out a 1-1 draw at Al-Taawoun.

Since then, Stefano Pioli's men have dispatched Al Khaleej, Al Fateh, Al Raed and Al Fayha before securing a thrilling 3-2 victory on their trip to Al-Ahli, extending their unbeaten run in the top flight to seven matches.

That result leaves Al-Nassr four points adrift of second-placed Al-Hilal, level on points with fourth-placed Al Quadisiya and still eight behind Al-Ittihad, who sit at the summit.

The Big Yellow's impressive run has been fuelled by attacking prowess, with 18 goals netted in their last seven league outings, bringing their tally to 43 — making them the third-most prolific side in the division.

However, their firepower was stifled last time out as the Riyadh-based outfit played out a goalless draw against Iranian side Persepolis in the AFC Champions League on Monday, halting a six-match winning streak across all competitions.

Still, with their perfect record in the top flight intact, Al-Nassr will be confident of stretching their run, having won their last two meetings with Friday's visitors, including a commanding 3-0 triumph in September's reverse fixture.

Al Ettifaq, meanwhile, suffered their first league defeat of the post-Steven Gerrard era last weekend, falling 2-1 to bottom-placed Al Fateh in what marked their eighth home loss of the campaign.

Despite the setback, new boss Saad Al-Shehri, who won his first two top-flight matches in charge, has guided the side up to 10th in the standings with 25 points, 11 clear of the relegation zone.

While Al Ettifaq's home form has been concerning — with just six points from 10 games, the worst record in the division — they have fared significantly better on the road, collecting 19 points from a possible 30 to rank as the fifth-best travellers.

The visitors will be hoping their impressive away form proves decisive as they look to avoid defeat at Al-Nassr for the first time since their 1-0 triumph at Al-Awwal Park in October 2021.

Al Ettifaq come into this clash on the back of a 1-1 draw against Al Quadisiya in the AGCFF Gulf Club Champions League in midweek, leaving Al-Shehri's record at two wins, one draw and two losses since taking charge.

Al-Nassr Saudi Pro League form:

D

W

W

W

W

W

Al-Nassr form (all competitions):

Al Ettifaq Saudi Pro League form:

W

L

D

W

W

L

Al Ettifaq form (all competitions):

Team News

Former RB Leipzig centre-back Mohamed Simakan is suspended for this encounter after receiving a red card in the previous outing, with Mohammed Al-Fatil expected to deputise in central defence.

Meanwhile, Portuguese midfielder Otavio is unavailable after being forced off with an injury just 22 minutes into the match at Al-Ahli.

New signing Jhon Duran, who has already bagged braces in both of his league appearances, is expected to lead the line alongside charismatic captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who tops the Golden Boot race with 16 goals and will be looking to return to the scoresheet after a quiet showing in the previous top-flight game.

Al Ettifaq, on the other hand, are dealing with a few key absences, with former Celtic striker Moussa Dembele sidelined due to an achilles injury sustained against Al Kholood, meaning Karl Toko Ekambi could spearhead the attack once again.

Defender Jack Hendry is also a doubt as he is set to miss a fourth straight league game with a muscle issue, while Marwan Al Haidari, who had been out since September, was named as an unused substitute last time out.

Al-Nassr possible starting lineup:

Bento; Al Ghanam, Al Fatil, Laporte, Al Najdi; Yahya, Brozovic, Al Khaibari, Mane; Duran, Ronaldo

Al Ettifaq possible starting lineup:

Rodak; Abdulrahman, Al Khateeb, Madu, Otaibi; Ali, Medran; Costa, Wijnaldum, Vitinho; Ekambi

We say: Al-Nassr 3-1 Al Ettifaq

Al-Nassr head into this clash as clear favourites, given their current form and recent dominance in this fixture.

Written by

Adeyeye Oluwapelumi

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