Al-Nassr will be keen to retain the winning habit when they take on Al-Orubah on Friday evening.
Two teams looking to build on recent victories will clash in Round 23 of the Saudi Pro League, as Al-Orubah host Al-Nassr at Al Jouf University Stadium on Friday.
The reverse fixture saw Al-Nassr cruise to a 3-0 victory, extending their dominance over Al-Orubah, who have struggled in this match-up, conceding 12 goals while scoring just three across six meetings.
With Al-Orubah fighting to pull further away from the relegation zone and Al-Nassr aiming to solidify their top-three position, this fixture presents crucial stakes for both sides.
Following a shocking 3-2 defeat to Al-Ettifaq, Al-Nassr responded well with a professional 2-0 victory over Al-Wehda on Tuesday. After a goalless first half, Cristiano Ronaldo broke the deadlock just three minutes into the second period before winning a stoppage-time penalty, which Sadio Mane converted to secure the win.
That victory was vital for Stefano Pioli’s side, keeping them in third place, courtesy of their superior goal difference over Al-Qadsiah, who sit level on points. With their title hopes fading and their King’s Cup campaign already over, Al-Nassr’s priority is now to secure a top-three finish, ensuring a place in next season’s AFC Champions League.
Avoiding further slip-ups will be key, and against a struggling Al-Orubah side, Al-Nassr will look to assert their dominance once again. Having won all six previous meetings, they will be confident of maintaining their perfect record in this fixture.
For Al-Orubah, this represents one of their toughest fixtures of the season, but they come into the clash with renewed confidence following a run of three wins in their last four matches. After struggling to adapt to top-flight football, winning just four of their first 18 games, Alvaro Pacheco’s side have found better form in recent weeks.
Their most recent outing saw them bounce back from a 1-0 loss to Al-Fateh with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Damac, a result that lifted them to 13th place with 23 points, now six points clear of the relegation zone.
Their home form has also seen an upturn, with two consecutive victories, scoring six goals while conceding just twice. Having previously endured a run of six straight home defeats, they will be eager to extend their positive streak when they face one of the league’s strongest teams. 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-Orubah
Al-Orubah will once again be without Jean Michael Seri, as the Ivory Coast international remains sidelined with a muscle injury that has kept him out since October. His absence continues to weaken the midfield, as his experience and passing range are crucial to the team’s build-up play.
Additionally, Cristian Tello, the club’s top scorer in the league with five goals this season, missed the previous match due to an injury concern. He remains a doubt for this clash, which would be a significant blow to Alvaro Pacheco’s attacking plans.
With limited options, Al-Orubah will need a disciplined defensive approach while relying on quick transitions and counter-attacks to threaten Al-Nassr. Al-Orubah are likely to stick with their 4-2-3-1 formation, a setup designed to provide defensive stability while allowing for attacking flexibility.
In goal, Gaetan Coucke will take his position as the last line of defence, aiming to organise the backline and keep Al-Nassr’s dangerous attackers at bay.
The defensive four will see Hamed Al-Maqati starting at right-back, with Ismael Kandouss and Hussein Al-Shuwaish forming the central defensive pairing. Ibrahim Al-Zubaidi will be deployed at left-back, offering defensive cover while supporting attacks when possible.
In midfield, Karlo Muhar and Johann Berg Gudmundsson will operate as a double pivot, shielding the defence and looking to break up Al-Nassr’s attacking play. Their ability to control possession and transition quickly will be key in Al-Orubah’s tactical setup.
The attacking midfield trio will see Mohannad Abu Taha starting on the right wing, with Abdulmalek Al-Shammeri playing in the central attacking role, tasked with linking midfield to attack. Fawaz Al-Torais will be deployed on the left flank, looking to exploit spaces left by Al-Nassr’s full-backs.
Leading the line will be Omar Al-Somah, who will be responsible for holding up play and finishing any goal-scoring chances that come Al-Orubah’s way. His experience and aerial ability will be crucial, especially from set-pieces and counter-attacks.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Coucke; Al-Maqati, Kandouss, Al-Shuwaish, Al Zubaidi; Muhar, Gudmundsson; Abu Taha, Al-Shammeri, Al-Torais; Al-Somah
Al-Nassr
Al-Nassr remain without Portuguese midfielder Otavio, who has missed the last three matches after sustaining an injury against Al-Ahli on February 13. His absence has forced Stefano Pioli to adjust his midfield, relying on different combinations to maintain balance.
Additionally, Saudi international Sami Al-Najei continues his long-term recovery from a serious knee injury, which has sidelined him since August. He will not be available for selection in this fixture.
January signing Jhon Duran is still suspended after receiving a straight red card in the 3-2 defeat to Al-Ettifaq. His reckless challenge resulted in a ban, meaning he will not be an option in attack.
With key players missing, Al-Nassr will rely on their experienced squad depth to continue their push for a top-three finish, ensuring qualification for next season’s AFC Champions League.
Al-Nassr are expected to deploy a 4-4-2 formation, focusing on controlling possession while utilizing their wing play and quick transitions to break down Al-Orubah’s defence. In goal, Bento will continue as the first-choice goalkeeper, offering stability and leadership from the back.
The defensive line will consist of Nawaf Boushal at right-back, with Mohammed Al-Fatil and Aymeric Laporte forming the centre-back partnership. Majed Qasheesh will slot in at left-back, adding defensive solidity while providing support in attack.
In midfield, Ayman Yahya will operate on the right wing, bringing pace and creativity to the attack. Abdulmajeed Al-Sulaiheem and Ali Al-Hassan will take charge in the centre of midfield, ensuring defensive coverage and ball progression. Abdulrahman Ghareeb will occupy the left flank, using his dribbling and direct runs to create chances.
Up front, Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the attack in a two-striker setup, offering a combination of speed, finishing ability, and experience. Ronaldo will look to dictate play and find goalscoring opportunities, while Mane will provide support with his movement and ability to stretch the defence.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Bento; Boushal, Al-Fatil, Laporte, Qasheesh; Yahya, Sulayhim, Al-Hassan, Ghareeb; Mane, Ronaldo
Key Stats
-
Al-Nassr have won all six previous meetings between the two sides, outscoring Al-Orubah 12-3 in those encounters. This dominance includes their comfortable 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
-
Since joining Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo has been directly involved in 45 goals in 38 Saudi Pro League appearances. The Portuguese star has been Al-Nassr’s main attacking threat and has contributed either a goal or an assist in four of his last five matches.
-
After a run of six consecutive home defeats, Al-Orubah have turned things around, winning their last two home matches, scoring six goals and conceding just twice.
-
Despite sitting third in the table, Al-Nassr have struggled defensively, conceding 10 goals in their last five matches in all competitions. Their vulnerability at the back could give Al-Orubah hope of causing an upset.
Player to Watch
Cristiano Ronaldo
All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo as Al-Nassr visit Al-Orubah in Friday’s crucial Saudi Pro League clash. Despite recently turning 40, the Portuguese superstar continues to defy age, consistently proving pivotal in Al-Nassr’s pursuit of a top-three finish.
Ronaldo showcased his importance yet again in their recent 2-0 victory over Al-Wehda, opening the scoring before winning a late penalty. With 17 goals and 7 assists already this season, his exceptional movement, clinical finishing, and leadership remain key to Al-Nassr’s attacking strategy.
Against an Al-Orubah defence that has conceded 38 league goals this season, Ronaldo will look to exploit any space afforded to him, aiming to extend his impressive scoring run. His ability to score from open play, set-pieces, and penalties makes him a constant threat.
Expect Ronaldo to be central to Al-Nassr’s attacking play, likely influencing the result through either goals or assists, as they seek another decisive victory to secure their position near the top of the table.
Prediction
Al-Orubah 1-3 Al-Nassr
The visitors should extend their perfect record against Al-Orubah, continuing their push for a top-three finish. While Al-Orubah have shown improvement in recent weeks, Al-Nassr’s quality, experience, and attacking firepower give them a clear advantage. With Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane in form, Stefano Pioli’s men should have too much for their hosts. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for Pioli and his charges.
