Al Nassr vs Damac (Friday, 29 November) Saudi Pro League Match Prediction

Logo Al Nassr Al Nassr
November 29, 2024 15:40
Logo Damac Damac

Al Nassr will host Damac on Friday at the Al-Awwal Park for a Saudi Pro League clash, with kickoff slated for 15:40 GMT+1.

Key Highlights

Al Nassr

Al Nassr have kept a relatively fine run of form in the Saudi Pro League this season, winning six, drawing four, and losing once. Their goal-scoring has been brilliant, with 22 plundered against ten conceded so far.

However, the challenge for Stefano Pioli is that the form of their opponents at the top end of the table has been better. Leaders Al Ittihad have amassed 30 points from 11 matches, whereas second-placed Al Hilal have 28, which means Al Nassr are eight points off the pace and six behind Al Hilal.

The absence of attacking midfielder Talisca has been significant, especially in their last match against Al Qadsiah, with a muscular problem sidelining the talisman unlikely to clear before Friday’s clash.

Stefano Pioli will likely keep his side’s tactical set-up with Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of a 4-2-3-1 formation. However, the gaffer will hope his charges will be more fluid against Damac as they bid to return to winning ways.

Cristiano Ronaldo will look to lead Al Nassr back to winning ways in the Saudi Pro League after the damaging loss at home to Al Qadsiah last time out in domestic action

Cristiano Ronaldo will look to lead Al Nassr back to winning ways in the Saudi Pro League after the damaging loss at home to Al Qadsiah last time out in domestic action

Damac

Damac have won four matches in their opening 11 outings this season; two of these wins have come in their last two matches in the Saudi Pro League, which is part of a five-match run in which they have lost once, drawn twice, and won twice.

Overall, Damac have scored 18 times, which is a decent output from their attacking play; however, they have also conceded 19 times, which highlights their defensive struggles so far.

In winning their last two matches, Damac have a combined scoreline of 5-3, having not kept a clean sheet in their last five matches.

Analysis shows that Damac have a potent attacking play and can score goals; however, they also concede a lot of goals, which sets them up for a thrilling match-up against one of the best attacking sides in the SPL, Al Nassr, on Friday.

Injury Report

The headline injury issue is the likely absence of 30-year-old attacking midfielder Talisca for Al Nassr. The attacker scored six times for Al Nassr in nine appearances in the SPL and scored two more goals in four appearances in the AFC Champions League. His absence is likely to hurt Al Nassr, especially Cristiano Ronaldo, given their attacking understanding on the pitch.

Al Nassr will also be without Sami Al-Najei, Ayman Yahya, and Mohamed Simakan, who are sidelined with injury.

Damac will also miss the services of injured Nicolae Stancciu (leg injury) and Adam Maher (cruciate ligament tear); these injuries will impact Damac’s midfield options, which will diminish their dynamism in facing Al Nassr.

Team News

Abdulrahman Ghareeb will step into the number 10 role for Al Nassr and look to replace the creativity of Talisca, alongside Angelo and Mane as part of the triumvirate behind Cristiano Ronaldo in attack.

Ramzi Solan, who was sent off in Damac’s 2-1 win over Al Kholood, will miss the clash against Al Nasr. N’Koudou and Diallo are likely to continue in attack, as Damac have demonstrated a prolific streak in the SPL.

Prediction

This match will likely be a high-score one, given both teams’ attacking intent. Al Nassr have the upper hand to win the three points given their recent form and their brilliant home form in the SPL this season.

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