Al Ettifaq vs Al Nassr: Ronaldo’s Return Sparks Excitement in Saudi Professional League Clash
After a near title victory last season, Al Nassr is set to kick off their campaign to conquer the Saudi League championship on Monday night in an away fixture against Al Ettifaq at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium.
In their most recent encounter at the same venue, the two teams settled for a 1-1 draw. Luiz Gustavo netted a goal for Al-Nassr in the 56th minute, while Youssouf Niakaté scored the sole goal for Al-Ittifaq in the 43rd minute.
In the last three head-to-head matches in the Saudi Pro League, Al Nassr holds a slight advantage with one win and two draws. Ittifaq is seeking their first victory against Al Nassr since October 2021.
Last season, Niakaté was the top scorer for Ittifaq in the Saudi League with 8 goals. Meanwhile, the leading scorer for Al Nassr was Talisca with 20 goals, ranking second on the league’s goal-scoring list.
Currently, Cristiano Ronaldo, the top scorer of the Arab Club Champions Cup with 6 goals, is undoubtedly the biggest hope for Al Nassr, a team that recently clinched the championship in what is considered the Arab C1 Cup.
At home last season, Al Ettifaq secured 7 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses. In contrast, Al Nassr achieved 8 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses on the road. Considering both form and squad strength, Al Nassr is consistently rated higher.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see them walk away with 3 points, but it won’t be an easy task. The reason being, Al Nassr has been exerting themselves in the Arab Club Champions Cup.
Predicted Lineups for Al Ettifaq vs Al Nassr:
Al Ettifaq: Victor – Al Dossari, Jack Hendry, Al Mousa, Hawsawi – Jordan Henderson, Vitinho, Ozdemir, Al Ghamdi – Moussa Dembele, Robin Quaison
Al Nassr: Al Aquidi – Al Ghannam, Al Oujami, Al Amri, Telles – Fofana, Al Khaibari, Brozovic – Talisca, Ronaldo, Mane
In what promises to be an exciting showdown, all eyes will be on Ronaldo’s performance as Al Nassr aims to maintain their winning streak.
