Al-Nassr will be keen to put their midweek disappointment behind them when they face Al-Hilal in a six-pointer for the title.
In a highly anticipated Riyadh Derby, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal will face off in a clash of title contenders on Friday at Al Awal Park. Al-Nassr sit in third place in the Saudi Pro League, trailing the undefeated league leaders by six points after eight games. Though still unbeaten, Al-Nassr have drawn three of their first eight league matches, leaving them slightly off pace in their quest for the title. This derby presents a crucial opportunity for Stefano Pioli’s side to close the gap, but recent form suggests they may have to dig deep to find a win.
Al-Nassr’s recent run has been rocky, highlighted by a stoppage-time penalty equaliser from Anderson Talisca to secure a draw against Al-Kholood in their last league outing. This was followed by a shocking King’s Cup exit at home against Al-Taawoun, where they lost 1-0.
At home this season, Al-Nassr have won three of six matches in all competitions, yet inconsistency has plagued them, with eight points taken from a possible 12 in league play at Al Awal Park. Facing their fierce rivals, Al-Hilal, will be a challenge, as Al-Nassr have not managed to beat them in their last five encounters, conceding 12 goals while only scoring three in that period.
Al-Hilal, on the other hand, are firing on all cylinders and look every bit the favourites to secure another title this season. The Blue Waves have a perfect record across both league and cup competitions, having won all 15 matches played so far.
The visitors come into the derby after a 4-1 win over Al Tai in the King’s Cup, and Jorge Jesus’s side have been a formidable attacking force, scoring two or more goals in each of their last 10 league matches while conceding only six. Away from home, they are averaging three goals per game and have won five consecutive away matches. Their last away league defeat came in May, underscoring their consistency and strength on the road.
Al-Nassr will need to rediscover their form if they are to keep pace with Al-Hilal, while the visitors aim to extend their flawless record and tighten their grip on the top of the table. This promises to be an intense and closely fought battle between two of Saudi Arabia’s top clubs. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this highly-anticipated clash.
Team News & Tactics
Al-Hilal
Al-Nassr will approach the Riyadh Derby with relatively good news on the injury front. Aymeric Laporte, who gave the team a scare after being forced off with a knock against Al-Kholood, returned to the starting lineup against Al-Taawoun, completing the full 90 minutes, and should be fit for the clash with Al-Hilal.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed the Al-Kholood match, was back on the field midweek, though he has not scored from open play in his last four matches across all competitions. The only confirmed injury absence for the hosts is Sami Al-Najei, who is expected to miss the rest of the season due to recent cruciate ligament surgery.
In terms of formation, Al-Nassr will likely line up in a 4-2-3-1 setup. In goal, they will have Bento. The back four is expected to consist of Sultan Al-Ghannam at right-back, Mohamed Simakan and Aymeric Laporte as the central defenders, with Salem Al-Najdi taking up the left-back position.
In midfield, Abdullah Yahya and Marcelo Brozovic are set to play as the defensive pivots, supporting the attacking trio. Anderson Talisca will likely take the central attacking role, flanked by Otavio on the right and Sadio Mane on the left. Leading the line up front, the focal point of the attack will be Cristiano Ronaldo.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Bento; Al-Ghannam, Simakan, Laporte, Al-Najdi; Yahya, Brozovic; Otavio, Talisca, Mane; Ronaldo
Al-Hilal
Al-Hilal will enter the Riyadh Derby with only one notable absence: Neymar. Despite making his return from a year-long injury layoff, the Brazilian forward remains ineligible for Saudi Pro League matches this season as he was not registered at the start of the campaign. However, he is available for selection in the AFC Champions League.
Meanwhile, Aleksandar Mitrovic continues to be a key player for the visitors, having scored his 10th league goal against Al-Taawoun in their previous match. Mitrovic currently leads the league’s goalscoring chart, sitting two goals clear of Karim Benzema and four ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Al-Hilal are expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation. Yassine Bounou will likely start in goal, with Joao Cancelo at right-back, Kalidou Koulibaly and Ali Al Bulaihi as the centre-backs, and Renan Lodi occupying the left-back spot. In midfield, Mohamed Kanno and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic will form a double pivot to provide both defensive cover and transitional support.
In attack, Malcom is set to play on the right flank, while Leonardo will take the central attacking role, and Salem Al-Dawsari will operate on the left wing. Leading the attack up front will be Aleksandar Mitrovic, who will aim to extend his goal tally further.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Bono; Cancelo, Koulibaly, Al Bulaihi, Lodi; Kanno, Milinkovic-Savic; Malcom, Leonardo, Al-Dawsari; Mitrovic
Key Stats
- Al-Hilal have had the upper hand in recent meetings, remaining unbeaten in the last five Riyadh Derbies across all competitions against Al-Nassr, winning three and drawing two while outscoring their rivals 12-3 during this period.
- The Blue Waves are on an incredible 10-match winning streak in the Saudi Pro League, scoring two or more goals in each of those games and averaging around three goals per game on the road this season.
- Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo is currently in a scoring slump, having failed to score from open play in his last four matches across all competitions, including his recent return against Al-Taawoun.
- Al-Nassr head into this match following a disappointing exit from the King’s Cup, losing 1-0 to Al-Taawoun, and have only managed a single win in their last five encounters against Al-Hilal.
Player to Watch
Cristiano Ronaldo
All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo as he aims to rediscover his goalscoring form and make a significant impact in this high-stakes Riyadh Derby. The Portuguese superstar has hit a rare dry spell, having failed to score from open play in his last four appearances across all competitions.
Despite this, Ronaldo’s influence remains undeniable; his presence on the field draws defenders and opens up spaces for his teammates, and he will be determined to make his mark against Al-Hilal. With his experience and ability to perform in crucial matches, Ronaldo will be a key figure for Al-Nassr as they look to close the gap at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings.
Ronaldo’s performance in this derby could be pivotal not only for his personal tally but also for Al-Nassr’s ambitions of competing for the title this season. Expect Ronaldo to come out with intensity and a point to prove, as he aims to end his goal drought and lead his team to a crucial victory over their arch-rivals.
Prediction
Al-Nassr 1-2 Al-Hilal
In this high-stakes Riyadh Derby, both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal come in with a lot to prove. Al-Hilal, with their perfect record and relentless attack, are favourites given their consistency and depth, including star players who can change the course of the game. Their ability to score multiple goals in away games further boosts their chances.
On the other hand, Al-Nassr, while trailing, cannot be counted out, especially with the pressure to keep pace with the leaders. Their recent struggles might fuel a resilient performance, and playing at home could provide the extra motivation they need. Al-Hilal’s firepower should see them through, though Al-Nassr may keep it close, especially if they can capitalize on home advantage and their rivals’ occasional defensive lapses.