The lights of Al-Awwal Park will shine once more tonight as Al-Nassr takes the sector after a bruising setback in midweek. The Saudi Professional League leaders, unbeaten within the competitors to this point, return dwelling trying to find redemption — and with one burning query echoing by means of Riyadh: Will Cristiano Ronaldo play?
It has been a near-perfect marketing campaign for Jorge Jesus’s Al-Nassr, whose dominance has painted the early season in gold and blue. Six wins from six within the Saudi Professional League have left them comfortably on the summit, boasting 21 targets scored and simply two conceded. Their dwelling type has been imperious, and their attacking depth — spearheaded by Joao Felix, Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman, and the ever-dangerous Ronaldo — has terrorized defences throughout the dominion.
However this week, perfection stumbled. A 2-1 defeat to Al-Ittihad within the King’s Cup ended Al-Nassr’s 10-match successful streak throughout all competitions. For a facet that had regarded unstoppable, the loss was a sobering reminder of soccer’s merciless steadiness. Now, all eyes flip again to the league — and an opportunity to reply swiftly.
For Al-Feiha, the journey to Riyadh couldn’t come at a more durable time. Sitting tenth within the desk with eight factors from six matches, Pedro Emanuel’s facet has struggled for consistency, alternating between moments of promise and defensive fragility. They’ve misplaced two of their final 5 league video games, most just lately falling 2-1 to Al-Taawoun, regardless of a aim from Chris Smalling.
Statistically, historical past affords them little consolation. Al-Nassr has received every of its final six conferences in opposition to Al-Feiha, and the customer has not overwhelmed the Knights of Najd of their final 15 encounters. Their defensive position, marshalled by Smalling and Mikel Villanueva, must ship a near-flawless efficiency to face up to Al-Nassr’s relentless assaults.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo function?
The query that has stirred the Saudi soccer world all week lastly finds its reply right here. Cristiano Ronaldo is predicted to begin, main the road as Al-Nassr search to revive their rhythm after the King’s Cup exit. Regardless of the fatigue of a busy schedule, his affect stays indispensable — each as a frontrunner and as a finisher.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr FC reacting in a recreation.
Al-Nassr vs. Al-Feiha: Projected Lineups
Al-Nassr projected XI (4-2-3-1): Alaqidi; Boushal, Simakan, Inigo Martinez, Yahya; Al-Khaibari, Gabriel; Mane, Felix, Coman; Cristiano Ronaldo.
Al-Feiha projected XI (4-5-1): Mosquera; Bamsaud, Villanueva, Smalling, Al-Baqawi; Jason, Benzia, Semedo, Enad; Sakala; Ganvoula.
