As Al Nassr prepares to host Al Hazem on Saturday night at Al-Awwal Park, the stakes are high. With 52 points, Al Nassr is currently positioned second in the Saudi Pro League. A victory is crucial for their title aspirations. In contrast, Al Hazem sits in 11th place, aiming to secure their spot away from the relegation zone.
Match Preview
Al Nassr enters this match with impressive momentum. The team has demonstrated a consistent performance, winning 17 matches, drawing once, and losing three out of 21 games. Their offensive record is remarkable, with 53 goals scored and only 18 conceded, boasting the second-best defense in the league.
At Al-Awwal Park, Al Nassr has transformed it into a formidable venue, securing nine wins out of ten home league matches. They have suffered only one defeat in their last home game. Recent performances have been stellar, with the team winning their last nine matches across all competitions, including a narrow 1-0 win over Arkadag.
Al Hazem’s Performance
Al Hazem has faced challenges this season, gathering only 24 points from six wins, six draws, and nine losses. Their defensive vulnerabilities have been evident, having conceded 38 goals, one of the highest totals in the league. They have only managed 22 goals scored this season.
In their last five matches, they have secured two wins, one draw, and two defeats. Their most recent victory was a 2-1 win over Al Akhdoud, providing a modest boost to their confidence. However, their away performance raises concerns, with only three wins from 11 matches on the road.
Head-to-Head Record
- In their last five encounters, Al Nassr has won four matches.
- One match ended in a draw, with Al Nassr winning 2-0 in their most recent meeting.
Team News
Al Nassr’s Sami Al-Najei is uncertain for the match due to a knee injury sustained in September. Cristiano Ronaldo, who returned in the last game, is expected to lead the attack. The potential starting lineup includes Mohamed Simakan and Inigo Martinez in defense, with Marcelo Brozovic and Abdullah Al-Khaibari in midfield.
Conversely, Al Hazem is likely to maintain a back three, consisting of Sultan Tanker, Youssouf Oumario, and Abdulrahman Al-Dakheel. Omar Al Somah, the team’s top scorer with five league goals, is anticipated to spearhead the attack following his goal against Al Akhdoud.
Expected Lineups
| Al Nassr | Al Hazem |
|---|---|
| Bento; Al-Ghannam, Simakan, Martinez, Al-Amri; Coman, Brozovic, Al-Khaibari, Mane; Felix, Ronaldo | Zaid; Al-Dakheel, Oumario, Tanker; Shamrani, Rosier, Bah, Al-Rashid; Al-Habshi, Al-Duwaihi; Al Somah |
Prediction: Al Nassr is favored to win 3-1 against Al Hazem. Their current form, attacking depth, and strong home record position them well in this matchup. In contrast, Al Hazem’s defensive challenges could be a significant hurdle against such a formidable opponent.
