Al Ettifaq vs Al Nassr Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | SPL, September 20, 2024

Al Ettifaq vs Al Nassr Preview

• Tournament: Saudi Pro League
• Date: Friday, September 20
• Kick-off time: 6:00 PM GMT
• Venue: Abdullah Al Dabil Stadium

Following an eventful AFC Champions League week, the league football in Asia returns later this week as Al-Ettifaq welcomes Al-Nassr in a Saudi Pro League match. The clash will be held at Abdullah Al Dabil Stadium. The hosts are off to a flying start to the 2024-25 season, and are unbeaten in the league.

Al-Nassr will enter this high-octane clash after a hard-earned 1-1 draw in the Asian Champions League against Al-Shorta. Cristiano Ronaldo’s side also salvaged a point against Al-Ahli at home in their last Saudi Pro League game. After finishing second in the league last season, head coach Luis Castro and his side have set their sights on the silverware this time. However, they have not been able to kickstart their domestic campaign in an impressive style. After 3 match weeks, Al-Nassr are in the seventh position with five points, managing only one victory.

Al-Ettifaq, on the flip side, are currently breathing fire on the field. With nine points from three matches, they sit in the third position in the Saudi Pro League points table. Under the stewardship of Steven Gerrard, the Dammam-based club claimed a 2-1 away victory against Al-Fateh in their previous league encounter. With Al-Nassr currently misfiring in the league, Al-Ettifaq would aim to continue their winning momentum in their upcoming home game. Meanwhile, the Global One will be eager to return to winning ways after two nearby draws in two different competitions.

Al Ettifaq Team News

There is no major injury concern at the moment in Al Ettifaq camp. Steven Gerrard will have the luxury to field the strongest possible squad in the forthcoming contest against Al Naser. As the current lineup is yielding results, it’s believed that Gerrard will stick with the same starting XI that played in the previous league encounter.

Al Nassr Team News

The major concern for Luis Castro ahead of the Al Ettifaq match is the illness of Cristiano Ronaldo that forced the Portuguese superstar to take rest during his team’s Champions League clash earlier this week. However, the Global One is hopeful that Ronaldo will return to the squad in time. Apart from that, most of the senior team members are in good shape.

Read More: A deep dive into Cristiano Ronaldo heading to Saudi Arabia and it’s impact

Al Ettifaq vs Al Nassr Predicted Lineups

Al Ettifaq Predicted Lineup:

Rodak (GK); Al-Khateeb, Otaibi, Alolayan, Madu; Wijnaldum, Vitinho, Seko Fofana; Gray, Toko Ekambi; Moussa Dembele

Al Nassr Predicted Lineup:

Bento (GK); Laporte, Simakan, Al Ghanam, Al Najdi; Marcelo Brozovic, Otavio; Talisca, Ghareeb, Sadio Mane; Cristiano Ronaldo

Al Ettifaq vs Al Nassr Head-to-head Record

Since 2005, these two football teams from Asia have locked horns for 38 times. Al Nassr have won on 18 occasions while Al Ettifaq have been able to emerge victorious only in 10 matches, with the rest of games ending in draws. The Last encounter between these Saudi Pro League clubs ended in a thumping 3-1 victory for Luis Castro’s team.

Last five match results:

Key Players to Watch Out For in Al Ettifaq vs Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)

No words can explain the greatness of Cristiano Ronaldo and his goal-mongering mentality. The Portuguese captain has recently reached the 900-goal milestone and is roaring to collect a few more goals to his scoring tally. The 39-year-old Al Nassr striker has already netted four goals and provided two assists in five games across all competitions. Ronaldo has 62 goals in just 67 official games for Al Nassr. After failing to score in the previous league clash, he will now look to return to winning ways.

Georginio Wijnaldum (Al Ettifaq)

The former Liverpool midfielder has been the main man for Al Ettifaq since he joined the club in 2023. Georginio Wijnaldum has amassed seven goals and six assists in 34 games. He has been a brute force in the middle of the park for Steven Gerrard’s side. He has already featured in the last three league games and is once again expected to run the game for Al Ettifaq.

Al Ettifaq vs Al Nassr Prediction

The Al Ettifaq vs Al Nassr prediction is not so easy to tell before the final whistle blows. Steven Gerrard’s boys are on song and will look to extend their winning streak in the league after clinching three consecutive wins in the previous fixtures. But, for Al Nassr, following the 4-1 rout of Al Feiha, they have witnessed two back-to-back 1-1 draws in two games. With their eyes set on all three points, the match is expected to be full of mouth-watering moments.

Predicted Score: Al Ettifaq 1-2 Al Nassr (Watch Live)

Read More: How to watch Saudi Pro League 2024/25 free live stream?

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