Al Nassr will hope to step up their intensity and performance levels in the Saudi Pro League on Friday when they return to action against Al Wehda at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, with the clash scheduled to kick off at 16:20 GMT+1.
Key Highlights
Al Nassr
Stefan Pioli’s Al Nassr are already four points behind leaders Al Hilal in the early Saudi Pro League table. With two wins and two draws from the opening four rounds of fixtures, the focus for Al Nassr will be to maintain their winning ways as they bid to keep in touch with the pacesetters at the top of the log.
Last time out in the Saudi Pro League, Al Nassr were imperious against Al Ettifaq, blowing them away 0-3 away from home and extending their unbeaten run to four games.
Stefan Pioli’s side were dominant in all metrics of the match, dominating possession with 56% to 44%, more shots with 14 to 6, and more shots on target with 7 to 2.
The match also saw a return to their solidity at the back with a clean sheet, and the fact that they conceded just two shots on target against a good Al Ettifaq attack.
The focus for Pioli and his charges on Friday will be to extend their dominance and make it back-to-back wins in the Saudi Pro League.
Al Wehda
Al Wehda have had a bad start to their Saudi Pro League campaign; they have won once, drawn once, and lost twice in their opening four outings.
They have collected four points from the available 12, and sit 14 on the table, two points from the drop zone.
Last time out in the Saudi Pro League, Al Wehda lost 0-1 at home to Al Kholood. It was a peculiar performance, with Al Wehda dominating the ball with 66% and edging the shots with 12 and four on target. However, their profligate attack means that they were unable to make their dominance count.
Al Wehda will be wary of their defensive solidity woes as they entertain one of the best attacks in the division spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo. A pragmatic approach to the match will give them the compactness they need to contain the Al Nassr attack and launch transition attacks in return.
Odion Ighalo will spearhead Al Wehda’s attack against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr when the two sides clash on Friday in the Saudi Pro League
Injury Report
Neither side has reported fresh injury worries ahead of the two sides clash on Friday.
Team News
Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the line for Al Nassr with the support of Talisca, Mane, and Ângelo Gabriel. The dynamic attack will be crucial as Al Nassr are expected to dominate possession and create chances.
Odion Ighalo will continue leading the line for Al Wehda when they meet Al Nassr. Behind him, a triumvirate of Amyn, Bacuna, and Goodwin will provide support when in possession.
Prediction
Al Nassr will continue their return to form with a win and all three points.
