Al Nassr will face Al Taawoun at Al Awwal Park on Monday evening in a crucial Saudi Pro League encounter. Both teams are vying for important points in their pursuit of the league title. Al Nassr aims to maintain pressure on league leaders Al Hilal, while Al Taawoun seeks to close the gap with a win.
Match Preview
Al Nassr currently stands second in the Saudi Pro League with 37 points after 16 matches. The team boasts an impressive record of 12 wins, one draw, and three defeats. Notably, they have scored 44 goals while conceding 18.
However, their performance dipped at the start of the New Year, suffering three consecutive defeats. They lost to Al Ahli on January 2, followed by losses to Al Qadisiyah and Al Hilal. Since then, the team has bounced back with a thrilling 3-2 win against Al Shabab and a 2-1 victory over Damac, reigniting their campaign.
At home, Al Nassr has been formidable, with seven wins out of eight matches at Al Awwal Park. Nevertheless, their defense has shown vulnerability, failing to keep a clean sheet in six consecutive games across all competitions. Under manager Jorge Jesus, the team utilizes an attacking lineup backed by a structured defense, though improvement is needed.
Al Taawoun’s Season So Far
Al Taawoun occupies the fifth position in the league with 35 points, just two points behind Al Nassr. The team has achieved 11 wins, two draws, and three defeats, scoring 35 goals and conceding 19.
They have been particularly strong on the road, winning six out of eight away matches. Their last match ended in a 2-2 draw against Al Hazem, showcasing their strengths and weaknesses, particularly as they let a late lead slip.
Tactical Approach
Coach Pericles Chamusca has instilled a compact defensive strategy paired with swift counter-attacks. This makes Al Taawoun a formidable opponent, especially given Al Nassr’s recent defensive shortcomings. The previous encounter between these clubs concluded with a dominant 5-0 win for Al Nassr.
Recent Form
- Al-Nassr: DLLLWW
- Al-Taawoun: WLWLWD
Team News
Al Nassr receives a boost with the return of Sadio Mane, who has just helped his national team win the Africa Cup of Nations. His inclusion could push Abdulrahman Ghareeb, who scored last game, to the bench.
Despite lingering doubts over Sami Al-Najei and Saad Haqawi, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to lead the attack along with Joao Felix. Ronaldo currently tops the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot race with 16 goals.
On the other hand, Al Taawoun will miss Flavio due to a hamstring injury and faces uncertainty over Musa Barrow’s fitness. Roger Martinez, who’s in form after scoring twice in the last match, will be key in the attack.
Predicted Lineups
| Al-Nassr | Al-Taawoun |
|---|---|
| Krepski | Maylson |
| Al-Ghanam, Simakan, Martinez, Al-Nasser | Alaeli, Sembene, Al-Dossari, Mahzari |
| Mane, Angelo Gabriel, Brozovic, Coman | Fulgini, Mahdioui, Hugo |
| Felix, Ronaldo | Kuwaykibi, Martinez, Zambrano |
Match Prediction
While Al Taawoun poses a challenge with their counter-attacking style, Al Nassr’s potent attack, spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo, is likely to determine the outcome. Expect a competitive match, but Al Nassr is predicted to edge it with a 2-1 victory, keeping their title hopes alive.
