All eyes are as soon as once more on Cristiano Ronaldo as Al-Nassr prepares to face Al-Fateh within the Saudi Professional League. The fixture comes with an air of secrecy surrounding the Portuguese celebrity’s involvement. The query echoing by means of Riyadh this week has been easy but dramatic: Will Cristiano Ronaldo play?
The league leaders discover themselves within the form of kind that turns matches into statements. Al-Nassr has gained all 4 of its league video games, scoring 14 objectives and conceding just one. Against this, Al-Fateh sits close to the foot of the desk, winless and determined for momentum. Saturday’s conflict seems like greater than only a recreation; it’s a gathering of dominance and survival instincts.
Few golf equipment in world soccer are enjoying with the consistency of Al-Nassr. Underneath Jorge Jesus, the staff has discovered its rhythm throughout all competitions. After shedding to Al-Ahli within the Tremendous Cup again in August, Al-Nassr has responded emphatically — seven straight wins throughout each home and continental competitions.
The Knight of Najd’s newest efficiency, a 2-0 victory towards Al Zawraa within the AFC Champions League, showcased a squad with steadiness, tempo, and tactical intelligence. The facet’s skill to regulate video games by means of Marcelo Brozovic’s management in midfield and the creativity of Joao Felix and Sadio Mane has made them virtually unstoppable.
Jesus’ technique emphasizes quick transitions and disciplined urgent, and the outcomes communicate for themselves. Al-Nassr boasts 27 objectives throughout all competitions this season, with 4 clear sheets and no indicators of slowing down. Its fortress, Al-Awwal Park, has change into a stage of dominance — two wins out of two at residence within the league and a rising sense of invincibility.
Al-Fateh: Workforce trying to find confidence
On the alternative finish, Al-Fateh faces the problem of survival. Underneath Jose Gomes, the membership sits sixteenth with solely one level from 4 video games. Their report — three defeats and one draw — paints an image of a staff struggling to seek out each objectives and stability.
Its most up-to-date league outing resulted in a 1-0 residence defeat to Al-Qadsiah, regardless of displaying flashes of group. Sofiane Bendebka, one of many few vivid spots this season, has recorded a aim and an help, however the staff’s total output, simply three objectives in 4 video games, stays inadequate.
The guests’ head-to-head report towards Al-Nassr provides to the priority. Al-Fateh has misplaced 4 of its final 5 conferences, its solely victory being an exhilarating 3-2 upset earlier this 12 months. Nonetheless, with the league’s prime facet in blistering kind, repeating that miracle seems unbelievable.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play?
Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored in his facet’s 2-0 victory towards Al-Ittihad final week, is anticipated to characteristic towards Al-Fateh. The Portuguese ahead stays the heartbeat of Jorge Jesus’ system, having already netted three objectives this season.
Ronaldo’s affect is as seen as ever — not solely in objectives but additionally in management. The 40-year-old continues to defy age together with his depth and precision, and Saturday’s conflict may present one other alternative for him to cement his dominance within the Saudi Professional League.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr
Al-Nassr vs. Al-Fateh: Projected lineups
Al-Nassr projected XI (4-2-3-1): Bento; Mohamed Simakan, Inigo Martinez, Ayman Yahya, Boushal; Marcelo Brozovic, Angelo; Kingsley Coman, Sadio Mane, Joao Felix; Cristiano Ronaldo.
Al-Fateh projected XI (4-2-2-2): Fernando Pacheco; Saeed Baatia, Marwane Saadane, Fernandes, Faisal Darisi; Sofiane Bendebka, Zaydou Youssouf; Othman, Mourad Batna; Matias Vargas, Karl Toko Ekambi.
