Al-Nassr will hope to continue their winning streak under Stefano Pioli when they welcome Al-Orobah on Saturday night.
This weekend’s Saudi Pro League fixture between Al-Nassr and Al-Orobah presents an intriguing match-up as the hosts look to extend their unbeaten start to the season under new manager Stefano Pioli, while the visitors aim to build on their recent back-to-back wins.
Al-Nassr, currently fourth in the league with 11 points from five games, have enjoyed a stellar start, with three wins and two draws showcasing both their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. They have netted 11 goals and conceded just three in the league, and their confidence has only grown after a 2-1 victory over Al Rayyan in the AFC Champions League Elite.
Under Pioli, who took charge in mid-September, they have won four consecutive matches in all competitions, a clear sign of the positive impact his tactical approach has had on the team. Their backline has become a firm foundation, conceding just two goals in their last four matches.
Meanwhile, Al-Orobah sit ninth in the table with seven points from five matches. After a difficult start, they have bounced back with two consecutive wins over Damac and Al-Fateh, both teams at the lower end of the table.
Despite these victories, Al-Orobah’s attacking output has been inconsistent, scoring just six goals across their five league matches. They face a daunting task against an Al-Nassr team that is well-organised defensively and brimming with confidence. Having returned to the top flight after a long absence, Al-Orobah will be eager to prove their worth but must step up their performance considerably to challenge one of the league’s top sides.
This encounter could prove a stern test for Al-Orobah, while Al-Nassr will be looking to maintain their momentum as they push for a title challenge. The Hard Tackle explores the possible lineups and strategies for this much-awaited match.
Team News & Tactics
Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo will once again lead the attack for Al-Nassr, supported by Sadio Mane on the left and Anderson Talisca in the centre of the attacking midfield. Angelo Gabriel is expected to slot in on the right wing, giving the team a potent forward lineup. Behind them, Otavio and Abdullah Al-Khaibari will anchor the midfield, providing a balance between defence and attack.
In defence, Aymeric Laporte and Mohamed Simakan will partner as centre-backs, forming a solid defensive wall in front of goalkeeper Bento. Sultan Al-Ghannam is likely to start as the right-back, while Salem Al-Najdi will take up duties on the left, rounding off the backline in their 4-2-3-1 formation.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Bento; Al-Ghannam, Simakan, Laporte, Al-Najdi; Al-Khaibari, Otavio; Angelo, Talisca, Mane; Ronaldo
Al-Orobah
Cristian Tello will feature as the focal point of Al-Orobah’s attack, supported by a packed midfield in their 4-5-1 formation. Tello will lead the line from the left wing, while Karlo Muhar and Johann Berg Gudmundsson will provide creativity and ball progression through the centre.
Fawad Al-Zubaidi is expected to play on the right, adding further width to their attacking movements. Jean Michael Seri will act as the deep-lying playmaker, linking the defence with the attack.
At the back, Kurt Zouma will marshal the defence alongside Ismael Kandouss, with Ibrahim Al-Zubaidi at left-back and Hamed Al-Maqati on the right. Gaetan Coucke is expected to start in goal, rounding out Al-Orobah’s defensive unit as they aim to keep Al-Nassr’s potent attack at bay.
Probable Lineup (4-5-1): Coucke; Al-Maqati, Kandouss, Zouma, Al-Zubaidi; Seri; Al-Zubaidi, Gudmundsson, Muhar, Tello; Boateng
Key Stats
- Al-Nassr have maintained an unbeaten start to the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League season, with 11 points from their first five games (W3 D2).
- Al-Nassr have conceded just three goals in their opening five matches, showing a strong defensive setup under Stefano Pioli, while also keeping clean sheets in their last two home games.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has scored four goals in the Saudi Pro League this season, making him Al-Nassr’s top scorer and placing him third in the overall scoring charts for the league.
- Al-Orobah have managed just six goals in five matches this season, struggling to break down stronger defences, especially against top teams in the league.
Player to Watch
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be the focal point for Al-Nassr, leading their attacking charge with 4 goals already in the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League season. His experience, leadership, and clinical finishing have been pivotal in Al-Nassr’s strong start to the campaign. The Portuguese superstar’s ability to score in crucial moments, coupled with his physical presence and footballing intelligence, make him a constant threat to opposition defences.
Against Al-Orobah, Ronaldo’s influence could once again prove decisive as he looks to add to his goal tally and help Al-Nassr maintain their title challenge. With the service from the likes of Otavio, Sadio Mane, and Talisca, Ronaldo’s positioning and finishing skills will be key to breaking down Al-Orobah’s defence. Expect him to be at the heart of Al-Nassr’s attacking moves, making him the player to watch in this encounter.
Prediction
Al-Nassr 3-0 Al-Orobah
Al-Nassr have been in exceptional form under Stefano Pioli, with their attack and defence functioning cohesively. Given their current momentum and unbeaten streak, they are expected to dominate against Al-Orobah, who have struggled against top-tier opposition. While Al-Orobah may put up a fight, the gulf in quality should see Al-Nassr secure a comfortable victory.