Both Al-Wehda and Al-Nassr will try to return to winning ways in the Saudi Pro League on Tuesday evening.
Two teams looking to recover from recent setbacks will go head-to-head in round 22 of the Saudi Pro League, as Al-Wehda welcome Al-Nassr to King Abdul Aziz Stadium on Tuesday. While Al-Wehda are fighting to avoid relegation, Al-Nassr are desperate to salvage their season after a crushing blow to their title ambitions.
It has been a disastrous campaign for Daniel Carreno’s side, and their latest setback came in a 1-0 defeat to Al-Kholood last Saturday. Despite a competitive performance, they were undone by a 20th-minute strike from Myziane Maolida, extending their miserable run in the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Wehda are now winless in their last seven matches, suffering six defeats and managing just one draw since their 2-1 win over Al-Fateh on January 9. Their defensive frailties have been a major issue, with the Knights of Mecca conceding a league-high 51 goals — eight more than any other team in the division.
As the 2024/25 Pro League season enters its decisive phase, Al-Wehda find themselves bottom of the table with just 13 points from 21 matches, four points behind Al-Raed, who currently occupy the final survival spot. Their recent record against Al-Nassr offers little encouragement, having lost each of their last three meetings and failing to win in eight of their last ten encounters against the Riyadh giants.
Al-Nassr’s title aspirations effectively came to an end in dramatic fashion last Friday, when they suffered a 3-2 home defeat to Al-Ettifaq, conceding twice in the final eight minutes to let victory slip away. Mohammed Al-Fatil’s own goal and a last-minute winner from Georginio Wijnaldum completed a stunning collapse, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo and company shell-shocked.
To make matters worse, Al-Ittihad’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Al-Hilal on Saturday was a crushing blow in the title race. Since Ronaldo’s arrival in January 2023, Al-Nassr have failed to win any major trophy, and this latest failure adds more pressure on head coach Stefano Pioli.
On the continental stage, Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League form has also been underwhelming, with the team collecting just four points from their last three group-stage matches, leaving them five points behind first-placed Al-Hilal. Their King’s Cup campaign ended prematurely as well, with a shock 1-0 loss to Al-Taawoun in October.
Now sitting fourth in the Saudi Pro League with 44 points from 21 matches, Al-Nassr are left battling for a Champions League qualification spot, trailing third-placed Al-Qadsiah by three points. They will view this clash against an out-of-sorts Al-Wehda as the perfect opportunity to get back on track. 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-Wehda
Al-Wehda remain without Nawaf Al-Azizi, who has been sidelined since August 2024 due to a cruciate ligament injury. The 25-year-old midfielder continues his rehabilitation and will not be available for selection.
Other than Al-Azizi’s absence, Daniel Carreno has a full-strength squad at his disposal, with no fresh injury concerns or suspensions. This gives him the flexibility to field his strongest possible lineup as the Knights of Mecca attempt to pull off an upset against Al-Nassr.
Al-Wehda are expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming for a structured defensive setup while maintaining an attacking threat through their experienced forward line.
Abdullah Al-Owaishir is set to start in goal, providing stability between the posts. The defensive line will consist of Ali Al-Salem at right-back, with Jawad El Yamiq and Abdullah Al-Hafith forming the central defensive pairing. Saeed Al-Muwallad will operate as the left-back, tasked with supporting both defensive duties and attacking overlaps.
In midfield, Juninho Bacuna and Alexandru Cretu will form the double pivot, responsible for shielding the defence while also linking up with the attacking trio ahead of them. Their ability to break up opposition play and dictate possession will be crucial.
Further up the pitch, Craig Goodwin will take up his usual position on the right wing, with Yahya Al-Najei playing as the attacking midfielder and Youssef Amyn providing width on the left. These three will look to supply the frontline with creativity and movement.
Leading the attack will be Odion Ighalo, the veteran striker whose experience and finishing ability will be vital if Al-Wehda hope to breach Al-Nassr’s defence. His ability to hold up play and convert chances will be a key factor in this match.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Al-Owisher; Al-Salem, Yamiq, Al-Hafith, Al-Mowalad; Bacuna, Cretu; Goodwin, Naji, Amyn; Ighalo
Al-Nassr
Al-Nassr will be without January signing Jhon Duran, as the Colombian forward is serving a suspension after receiving a straight red card in their 3-2 defeat to Al-Ettifaq last time out. His absence means that head coach Stefano Pioli will have to make adjustments to his attacking setup.
In midfield, Portuguese international Otavio remains unavailable, having missed the last two matches since picking up an injury against Al-Ahli on February 13. His absence leaves a creative gap in Al-Nassr’s midfield, which will need to be filled by other key players.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia international Sami Al-Najei remains sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury that has kept him out since August 2024. The 28-year-old midfielder will play no part in this crucial encounter.
Al-Nassr are set to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, a system that allows them to maximise their attacking firepower while maintaining midfield control.
Bento will continue as the first-choice goalkeeper. The defensive line is expected to feature Nawaf Boushal at right-back, with Mohammed Al-Fatil and Aymeric Laporte forming the central defensive partnership. Majed Qasheesh will occupy the left-back role, offering both defensive stability and attacking support when needed.
In midfield, Ayman Yahya will slot into a box-to-box role, alongside Marcelo Brozovic, who will take on the deep-lying playmaker duties. Ali Al-Hassan will complete the midfield trio, providing defensive coverage and ball progression.
The attack will be led by Cristiano Ronaldo, playing up front, with Sadio Mane operating from the left wing and Abdulrahman Ghareeb leading the line. This front three will look to capitalise on Al-Wehda’s defensive vulnerabilities, with Ronaldo’s finishing ability and Mane’s movement posing a constant threat.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Bento; Boushal, Al-Fatil, Laporte, Qasheesh; Yahya, Brozovic, Al-Hassan; Ronaldo, Ghareeb, Mane
Key Stats
-
Al-Nassr have won their last three encounters against Al-Wehda. The last time Al-Wehda avoided defeat against Al-Nassr was in November 2019, when they managed a 1-1 draw.
-
Al-Wehda have conceded 51 goals this season, which is the most in the Saudi Pro League. No other team has let in more than 43 goals, highlighting their major defensive frailties.
-
Cristiano Ronaldo remains Al-Nassr’s top scorer this season, averaging 0.85 goals per game in the Saudi Pro League. His ability to convert chances will be key against an Al-Wehda defence that has been leaking goals.
-
The Knights of Mecca are on a seven-match winless streak, suffering six defeats and one draw since their last victory on January 9. Their poor form leaves them at the bottom of the table, four points adrift of safety.
Player to Watch
Cristiano Ronaldo
As Al-Nassr look to recover from their recent setbacks in the Saudi Pro League, Cristiano Ronaldo remains their most crucial player in attack. The Portuguese icon continues to be the focal point of Stefano Pioli’s side, leading the team’s goalscoring charts with an average of 0.85 goals per game in the league this season.
Despite Al-Nassr’s struggles in the title race, Ronaldo has consistently delivered when needed, using his movement, finishing ability, and experience to create opportunities. Against an Al-Wehda defence that has conceded a league-high 51 goals, he will have plenty of chances to make an impact.
Ronaldo’s leadership will also be key in lifting the morale of his teammates, especially after their dramatic late collapse against Al-Ettifaq last week. With Al-Nassr now fighting for a top-four finish, expect Ronaldo to take charge, looking to inspire his side to a much-needed victory.
If Al-Nassr are to return to winning ways, Cristiano Ronaldo will almost certainly play a decisive role — whether through his goals, link-up play, or sheer presence in the final third.
Prediction
Al-Wehda 1-3 Al-Nassr
Expect the visitors to bounce back with a convincing victory as they look to keep their top-four hopes alive. Despite their recent struggles, Al-Nassr have superior quality and should have too much firepower for the league’s bottom club. Al-Wehda’s defensive issues are a major concern, and they could be in for another difficult night if Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane hit top form.
