Al-Nassr will hope to secure all three points against Al-Shabab as they aim to close down the gap to the top of the Saudi Pro League standings.
In this exciting Saudi Pro League clash, Al-Nassr will aim to continue their stellar unbeaten start to the 2024/25 season when they visit Al-Shabab at Al-Shabab FC Stadium on Friday evening. Al-Nassr have enjoyed a strong start with four wins and two draws in their opening six matches and are currently riding a three-match winning streak. Meanwhile, Al-Shabab will be hoping to regain form after a recent loss and build on their positive momentum from earlier wins.
Al-Shabab, coming off a relatively challenging season last year where they finished in eighth place, were expected to push for a higher finish this season. Under the guidance of Vitor Pereira, who took over in February 2024, the White Lions made a significant recovery last season after struggling under former coach Igor Biscan.
Despite an early setback this season with a loss to Al-Ettifaq, they went on a four-match winning run, climbing to the top three before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Damac. As they currently sit in fourth place, Al-Shabab will be looking to prove their worth against a high-flying Al-Nassr side.
Al-Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo and newly appointed head coach Stefano Pioli, have been on a roll. Since their Super Cup loss to Al-Hilal in August, Pioli’s side have remained undefeated in all competitions, demonstrating a well-organised and efficient team performance.
Their latest triumph came in a 3-0 victory over Al-Orobah, where Ronaldo and Sadio Mane shined, with Ronaldo netting his fifth league goal and Mane scoring twice. Pioli’s arrival has rejuvenated Al-Nassr, and the team’s unbeaten run under his leadership stands at five consecutive wins across all competitions.
This match presents a critical opportunity for Al-Shabab to regain their position near the top of the standings, while Al-Nassr will be aiming to extend their impressive unbeaten record and continue their march toward a potential title challenge. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this highly-anticipated clash.
Team News & Tactics
Al-Shabab
Al-Shabab will continue to miss the services of 30-year-old winger Fahad Al-Muwallad, who remains sidelined with an injury. His absence has created a significant gap in the team’s attacking options. But head coach Vitor Pereira is expected to field a strong side regardless. There are no additional suspensions, which means Pereira will have most of his regular starters available for this crucial encounter.
Leading the attack will be Yannick Carrasco, who has managed just one goal in the league this season but remains a key player in their forward line. He will be supported by Musab Al-Juwayr and Giacomo Bonaventura, who will operate on either side of the Belgian winger, tasked with providing width and creativity.
In midfield, Majed Kanabah and Cristian Guanca will look to control the tempo of the game and link up with the forwards, while Mohammed Al-Thani and Hussain Al-Sibyani are expected to offer attacking thrust from the wing-back positions.
The home side are expected to line up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Kim Seung-gyu set to start in goal, shielded by a back three consisting of Gustavo Cuellar, Wesley Hoedt, and Robert Renan. In the midfield, Majed Kanabah and Cristian Guanca will anchor the team, supported by Al-Sibyani and Al-Thani on the flanks. In attack, Carrasco will lead the line, with Al-Juwayr and Bonaventura providing the necessary support to break down the Al-Nassr defence.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Kim; Cuellar, Hoedt, Renan; Al-Sibyani, Kanabah, Guanca, Al-Thani; Al-Juwayr, Carrasco, Bonaventura
Al-Nassr
Al-Nassr will continue to be without Sami Al-Najei, who is sidelined with a long-term cruciate ligament injury. Al-Najei is expected to be out of action until June 2025, which means the team will have to make adjustments in his absence. Fortunately for head coach Stefano Pioli, no other significant injuries or suspensions have impacted the squad ahead of their clash with Al-Shabab.
Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be the focal point of Al-Nassr’s attack as he looks to build on his tally of five league goals. Ronaldo has been in excellent form, though he remains four goals behind the current top scorer in the league.
Sadio Mane, who grabbed a brace in their last match, will continue to offer support from the left wing, while Anderson Talisca will operate in the playmaker role behind Ronaldo. The ever-reliable Marcelo Brozovic and Abdullah Al-Khaibari will anchor the midfield, providing a balance between attack and defence.
Al-Nassr’s expected 4-2-3-1 lineup will likely see Bento starting in goal, with Sultan Al-Ghannam playing at right-back and Aymeric Laporte partnering Mohamed Simakan at the heart of the defence.
Nawaf Boushal is expected to start at left-back. In midfield, Marcelo Brozovic and Abdullah Al-Khaibari will form the double pivot, shielding the defence and linking up with the attacking trio of Anderson Talisca, Sadio Mane, and Otavio, who will operate behind Cristiano Ronaldo, the lone striker.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Bento; Al-Ghannam, Simakan, Laporte, Boushal; Brozovic, Al-Khaibari; Otavio, Talisca, Mane; Ronaldo
Key Stats
- Al-Nassr are currently on a seven-match unbeaten run against Al-Shabab across all competitions, with five wins and two draws in that period.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has already scored five goals in the Saudi Pro League this season and will be looking to extend that tally as the league’s top scorer race heats up.
- Since their 4-1 loss to Al Hilal in the Super Cup, Al-Nassr have gone unbeaten in five consecutive away matches across all competitions, including two league matches.
- Al-Shabab have not beaten Al-Nassr at home since 2021, and they will be eager to break that streak, especially after dropping to fourth place following their recent loss to Damac.
- Al-Shabab have only conceded five goals in their last six league matches, indicating a solid defensive structure that Al-Nassr will need to break down.
Player to Watch
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has been the driving force for Al-Nassr this season, leading the team’s goal-scoring charts with five goals in the Saudi Pro League. His ability to influence matches with his precision in front of goal, leadership on the pitch, and remarkable work rate has been pivotal for Al-Nassr’s success.
Ronaldo’s knack for delivering in critical moments, such as converting penalties or producing moments of magic, makes him the key figure to watch in this match. As Al-Nassr aim to extend their unbeaten run and climb the league standings, Ronaldo’s presence in the final third will be decisive. With top-quality support from Sadio Mane and Talisca, Ronaldo is likely to shine yet again in this encounter.
Prediction
Al-Shabab 1-3 Al-Nassr
Given Al-Nassr’s current form, boasting an unbeaten run and a potent attack led by Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane, they come into this match as the clear favourites. Al-Shabab, while strong at home, have shown vulnerabilities, particularly in their recent loss to Damac.
Al-Nassr’s balanced approach with a solid defence and sharp attack should see them continue their winning momentum. Expect Ronaldo to be a key figure once again, as Al-Nassr secures a comfortable victory on the road. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for Stefano Pioli and his charges.