Coming off of back-to-back draws in the Saudi Pro League and a 5-1 rout on Tuesday against Al Ain in the AFC Champions League, Al Nassr will bid to return to winning ways in the league on Friday when they face Al Riyadh at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium with kickoff slated for 17:00 GMT.
Key Highlights
Al Riyadh
Al Riyadh have been in good form in their opening nine outings in the Saudi Pro League. They have four wins, three losses, and two draws. Maintaining a 44% win rate, Al Riyadh sit 6th on the Pro League table with 14 points.
Al Riyadh have been better away from home compared to their home form so far this season. At home, they have two wins, 0 draws, and two losses, whereas away from home, they have recorded two wins, three draws, and one loss.
Sabri Lamouchi’s men, who finished 14th last season, have seen a better start to the season this time around, looking to maintain their form. They have scored 13 goals in nine matches, with the tally besting their xG For per match of 1.25.
Having conceded 14 times, Al Riyadh have to improve their defensive phase as they face one of the best attacking sides in the Saudi Pro League this season if they are to get something from this match.
Al Nassr
Third-placed Al Nassr have been in fine form this season with five wins, four draws, and zero losses. With a winning rate of 56%, Stefano Pioli’s men sit third on the Saudi Pro League table with 19 points, six off the leaders Al Hilal and five behind second-placed Al Ittihad.
Al Nassr has shown good form at home but excellent away from home. Pioli’s side have won twice, drawn three times, and lost none in front of the home supporters; however, they have won three times and drawn once away from home.
Posting an xG For per match of 1,96 overall, Al Nassr have been a brilliant attacking side in the Saudi Pro League, notching 20 goals this season in the Pro League. They have also posted good numbers defensively, conceding just eight times, which is level with Al Ittihad and one more than leaders Al Hilal.
This run of form shows Al Nassr to be competitive at the top end of the Pro League table. They will look to return to winning ways in the league and apply pressure on the top two.
Stefano Pioli will look to keep Al Nassr’s form going as they bid to fight for the Saudi Pro League title against Al Ittihad and Al Hilal this season
Injury Report
Al Riyadh have one injury headache ahead of Friday’s match; they will be without center-back Enzo Roco, with the 31-year-old nursing an unknown injury issue.
Al Nassr also have a near-fully-fit squad with only Sami Al-Najei missing out with a cruciate ligament surgery. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder is a long-term absentee and is expected to make his return next year.
Team News
Al Riyadh will keep the 5-3-2 formation, with Bayesh and Al-Qel occupying the two striker positions. They will defend deep and narrow and spring into transition attacks when they win the ball.
Stefano Pioli is expected to retain his attacking trio of Mane, Talisca, and Ronaldo. The trio has been in devastating form this season and is expected to provide the firepower for Al Nassr’s bid to return to winning ways.
Prediction
Al Nassr has the pedigree and form to be the favourites to win the three points heading into this match. Stefano Pioli’s side will win and return to winning ways.
