Al Nassr will be at home at Al-Awwal Park to welcome the surprise package of the Saudi Pro League season, Al Qadsiah, for a one-on-one clash scheduled to kick off at 18:00 GMT+1.
Key Highlights
Al Nassr
Unbeaten in 10 rounds of fixtures in the Saudi Pro League season, Al Nassr sit third on the table, six points behind leaders Al Hilal and five behind second-placed Al Ittihad.
Stefano Pioli’s side will be confident that they are within striking distance of the top two and that their form has propelled them into the conversation of the title challenge after ten matches.
Last season’s runners-up will know that their form needs to be flawless if they are to compete against Al Hilal and Al Ittihad this season, as the two sides have been relentless so far.
Back-to-back draws against Al Kholood (3-3) and Al Hilal (1-1) stalled their momentum; however, Pioli’s side bounced back to winning ways before the international break with a 0-1 win at Al Riyadh. Al Nassr will look to extend their unbeaten run and boost their title credentials.
The partnership between Cristiano Ronaldo and Talisca through the middle of their attack will be the one to watch as Al Nassr look to keep up the pace in the league.
Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo (Right) will be back in action in the Saudi Pro League as the third-placed side look to extend their good domestic form.
Al Qadsiah
Newly promoted Al Qadsiah have taken the Saudi Pro League by storm. They have won six out of their opening ten matches, drawing once, and losing three times. They have hauled 19 points, just three points behind Friday’s opponents, Al Nassr.
Back-to-back losses in the Saudi Pro League in October against Al Riyadh (2-1) and Al Ittihad (3-1) hurt their chances of pressing home their ability to challenge at the top end. However, they have responded with three straight wins in the league.
Al Qadsiah’s Michel has adopted a 3-4-1-2 formation that has Aubameyang and Quinones playing upfront and Puertas in the home between midfield and attack. This tactical approach has allowed Al Qadsiah to retain their solidity at the back while creating overloads in wide areas using wingbacks and stretching defenses to create chances.
Michel will look to maintain his side’s momentum in the Saudi Pro League and bolster their chances of climbing further in the league. A win on Friday will wipe out the three-point deficit with Al Nassr for starters.
Injury Report
The biggest worry for Al Nassr heading into the match on Friday is the availability of their in-form attacking midfielder Talisca, with the 30-year-old fighting to recover from a muscular problem. Stefano Pioli will also be without Sami Al Najel, who has a cruciate ligament tear.
Al Qadsiah’s Michel will have to respond to two injury blows, with left winger Saif Rajab nursing a torn muscle fiber in the adductor area and defensive midfielder Ibrahim Mohannashi facing a late fitness test.
Team News
Cristiano Ronaldo has come back from the international break fit and ready to feature in the Saudi Pro League; this will be a boost for Al Nassr’s title prospects.
Aubameyang and Quinones will continue in their twin attack approach, with Puertas working behind them to create openings for the strikers.
Prediction
This match will be evenly contested. Al Nassr have the experience and quality to earn a narrow win against the newly promoted and in-form Al Qadsiah.
