Al-Nassr will hope to rediscover their winning touch when they take on Al-Khaleej on Tuesday afternoon.
Tuesday’s Saudi Pro League clash at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium sees Al-Khaleej aiming to extend their strong start to 2025 with another positive result, while Al-Nassr looks to recover from their recent dip in form and secure their first away win of the new year.
Under the guidance of Georgios Donis, Al-Khaleej are enjoying a resurgence, sitting seventh in the table after a commanding 3-0 win over Al-Orobah last weekend. That result marked back-to-back games with multiple goals and brought their total to 23 points after 15 matches—10 more than they managed at this stage last season.
Al-Danah have shown consistency at home, securing four wins in domestic competition at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium, already surpassing their total from the previous campaign. Their attack has flourished recently, scoring 12 goals in their last five home games, and they’ve proven effective when finding the net multiple times, winning six league games this season under such circumstances.
However, Al-Khaleej will face a stern challenge as they aim to maintain their momentum against an Al-Nassr side that has historically dominated this fixture. Al-Danah will need to show their defensive resilience and capitalize on their improved form to challenge their high-profile opponents.
Al-Nassr, led by Stefano Pioli, are struggling to maintain consistency, picking up just one win in their last four matches across all competitions. Their recent 1-1 draw with Al-Taawoun saw them drop more valuable points, leaving them fourth in the table and out of the AFC Champions League qualification places.
Offensively, Nadi Al-Shams have been underwhelming in recent away games, scoring just once in each of their last two league matches on the road. Their current tally of 29 points from 15 matches is five fewer than at the same stage last season, reflecting their drop in form.
However, history is on Al-Nassr’s side as they have never lost to Al-Khaleej in their past six encounters across all competitions. Additionally, their defensive record away to Al-Khaleej is spotless, with three successive wins without conceding.
Despite their struggles, Al-Nassr still possess an array of attacking talent capable of turning matches on their head. With a victory, they could move back into the top four and reignite their AFC Champions League hopes. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Al-Khaleej
Al-Khaleej head into Tuesday’s clash with potential injury concerns, as goalkeeper Marwan Al-Haidari is doubtful due to a lingering knee issue, while defender Abdullah Al-Fahad is still sidelined with a torn muscle in his adductor area. These absences could impact the team’s defensive solidity as they face a high-calibre opponent in Al-Nassr.
In their previous match, a 3-0 victory over Al-Orobah, Abdullah Al Salem, Fabio Martins, and Mohamed Sherif were instrumental, finding the back of the net to secure three crucial points. These players are expected to feature prominently in Tuesday’s fixture.
Al-Khaleej is likely to field a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ibrahim Sehic guarding the goal. The backline may consist of Saeed Al Hamsl, Marcel Tisserand, Mohammed Al-Khabrani, and Pedro Rebocho, forming a solid defensive setup. In midfield, the double pivot of Mansour Hamzi and Murad Al Hawsawi will aim to provide balance and shield the defence.
Further forward, Saleh Abdoulshamat, Konstantinos Fortounis, and Fabio Martins will operate as the creative and attacking trio supporting lone striker Abdullah Al Salem, who will be tasked with leading the line and converting chances in the final third.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sehic; Al Hamsl, Tisserand, Al-Khabrani, Rebocho; Hamzi, Hawsawi; Abdoulshamat, Fortounis, Martins; Al Salem
Al-Nassr
Al-Nassr will likely be without several key players for Tuesday’s match. Mohamed Simakan is doubtful due to a bruised hip, while Ayman Yahya remains sidelined with a leg injury. Additionally, Sami Al-Najei is unavailable as he continues to recover from a cruciate ligament tear. These absences could impact Stefano Pioli’s options, particularly in defence and midfield.
In their weekend clash, Aymeric Laporte scored the only goal for Al-Nassr, helping the team salvage a point despite conceding late in the first half. His defensive leadership and ability to contribute in attack will be vital as they seek their first away win of 2025.
Al-Nassr are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation. Rui Bento will take his place in goal, with the defensive line comprising Sultan Al-Ghannam at right-back, Mohamed Simakan (if fit) and Aymeric Laporte as the centre-back pairing, and Nawaf Al-Boushal at left-back.
In midfield, Marcelo Brozovic will anchor the trio alongside Ali Al-Hassan and Otavio, providing a mix of defensive coverage and attacking creativity.
The front three will feature Sadio Mane on the left wing, Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line as the central striker, and Angelo Gabriel on the right flank, forming a potent attack capable of breaking down any defence.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Bento; Al-Ghannam, Simakan, Laporte, Al-Boushal; Brozovic, Al-Hassan, Otavio; Mane, Ronaldo, Gabriel
Key Stats
- Al-Nassr are unbeaten in their last six matches against Al-Khaleej across all competitions, with three successive away wins in this fixture, all achieved without conceding a goal.
- Al-Khaleej have scored 12 goals in their last five home league matches after starting the season with two goalless outings at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium.
- Al-Nassr are winless in their last two league games away from home, managing just one goal in each match during this stretch.
- Al-Khaleej have scored multiple goals in six league matches this season, winning all six of those games. They remain unbeaten in any match where they have netted more than once.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has been involved in over 50% of Al-Nassr’s league goals this season, underlining his importance as the team’s offensive focal point.
Player to Watch
Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese icon continues to prove his world-class pedigree even in the Saudi Pro League, making him the standout player to watch in this matchup. The Portuguese superstar has been a crucial figure for Al-Nassr, contributing to more than half of the team’s league goals this season. With his clinical finishing, creative playmaking, and leadership on the pitch, Ronaldo remains the primary threat to any opposition.
In a game where Al-Nassr need a win to regain momentum, Ronaldo’s ability to deliver in clutch moments could be pivotal. Whether it’s his signature headers, precise free-kicks, or instinctive positioning in the box, expect Ronaldo to be at the heart of Al-Nassr’s attacking moves against Al-Khaleej.
Prediction
Al-Khaleej 1-2 Al-Nassr
This is a classic matchup between an in-form underdog and a title contender trying to rediscover its best. While Al-Khaleej’s recent performances suggest they will pose a threat, Al-Nassr’s superior quality and historical dominance in this fixture make them slight favourites. However, given Al-Nassr’s recent struggles and Al-Khaleej’s attacking efficiency at home, a draw could also be on the cards.