In a heavyweight clash on Friday, in-form Al Ettifaq will go one-on-one against inconsistent Al Nassr at Abdullah Al Dabil Stadium, with kickoff slated for 19:00 GMT+1.
Key Highlights
Al Ettifaq
Al Ettifaq have made a flying start to their Saudi Pro League season, winning three out of three matches.
They kept two clean sheets in their opening couple of 1-0 wins before beating Al Fateh 2-1 after returning from the FIFA international break.
The performance in their win against Al Fateh last time out was emblematic of Steven Gerrard’s tactical approach this season. They had 44% of the ball to the hosts’ 56%. However, they had 18 shots in general over the hosts’ 7 and had six on target while conceding just two on target.
With a passing accuracy of 83%, Al Ettifaq were comfortable on the ball; however, with Al Fateh enjoying 85% passing accuracy shows that Steven Gerrard’s side did not pressure the ball much when out of possession.
This reactive approach will especially be well-suited against Al Nassr, who are expected to keep the lions’ share of the ball.
Al Ettifaq Form (Last Five Matches): W-W-W-L-L
Moussa Dembele of Al Ettifaq will put their perfect start to the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League to the test when they take on an inconsistent Al Nassr
Al Nassr
Two draws and a win from the opening three rounds of Saudi Pro League fixtures is a far cry from Al Nassr’s expectations this season. This is especially the case given there were hopes that they could build on their runners-up finish last season and challenge for the title.
In their last Saudi Pro League outing, Al Nassr dominated possession with 59% of the ball. However, they managed just four just on target from 19 attempts. In their maiden AFC Champions League clash away to Al-Shorta, Al Nassr had 59% of the ball but just three shots on target from 17 attempts.
The data shows profligacy in front of goal and a lack of precision in their play in the final third to convert their shooting opportunities into good goal-scoring chances.
New manager Stefano Pioli, who took over from the departing Luis Castro, will hope to fix this challenge for Al Nassr and return them to the clinical and free scoring machine they are capable of being, starting with the clash against an in-form Al Ettifaq.
Al Nassr Form (Last Five Matches): D-W-D-L-W
Injury Report
Neither side has reported fresh injury worries ahead of Friday’s clash.
Team News
Steven Gerrard has pinned his hopes on the form and abilities of 28-year-old forward Moussa Dembele. The Frenchman is playing his second season for Al Ettifaq and will be motivated to add to the 12 goals in 25 appearances he notched last season. He already has two goals from three matches in the 2024/25 season.
Al Nassr will hope that Cristiano Ronaldo is back to his best clinical self as they bid to step up their form. The Portuguese already has two goals, and will look to eclipse his haul of 35 goals and 11 assists he managed last season in 31 matches.
Prediction
Al Ettifaq have a 50% winning percentage in their last 10 outings, whereas their loss rate is at 40%, showing an inconsistent streak. Al Nassr have lost just once in their last five outings, highlighting a robust run. In their last meeting, Al Nassr prevailed 3-1.
This match has a draw written all over it, with the two sides sharing the spoils.
