Preview: Al Khaleej vs Al-Nassr – prediction, team news, lineups

Looking to make it two wins in a row, Al-Khaleej welcome league leaders Al-Nassr to the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium on Saturday night for Matchday 26 of the Saudi Pro League.

While the hosts are aiming to proceed their improved marketing campaign in mid-desk, the visiting Knights of Najd arrive in dominant type and will likely be eager to keep up their benefit on the top of the standings.

Match preview

Al-Khaleej at present sit ninth within the Saudi Pro League desk and have loved a noticeably improved marketing campaign in comparison with their earlier seasons within the high flight.

Since gaining promotion, the Pearls completed 14th earlier than recording again-to-again twelfth-place finishes, however this season they’ve managed to ascertain themselves comfortably in mid-desk.

However, their current type has been inconsistent, with only one win from their final six league matches.

During that run, Al-Khaleej have recorded three defeats, two attracts and one victory, although they may take confidence from their most up-to-date outing – a 2-1 comeback win over Al-Hazem after conceding the opening purpose.

Their dwelling type has additionally been blended, with 5 wins, two attracts and 5 defeats from 12 matches on the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium, amassing 17 factors on their very own turf.

Georgios Donis’s males may also be trying to reply after struggling a heavy 4-1 defeat within the reverse fixture towards Al-Nassr in November.

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Al-Nassr, in the meantime, sit high of the Saudi Pro League desk and proceed to steer the title race, holding a two-level benefit over Al-Ahli and a 3-level hole over Al-Hilal.

The Knights of Najd have been in sensational type, profitable 13 consecutive matches throughout all competitions whereas conceding simply as soon as of their final 11 video games.

Their attacking energy has been one of many key causes behind their dominance this season, with Al-Nassr scoring 66 objectives – the best tally within the league – whereas additionally boasting one of many strongest defensive data after conceding solely 19 objectives in 25 matches.

Jorge Jesus’s aspect had been pushed arduous of their most up-to-date outing, narrowly defeating Neom 1-0 due to a ninety fifth-minute winner from Mohamed Simakan.

Although their dwelling type has been notably robust this season, Jesus’s aspect have additionally been efficient on the street, having picked up 31 factors, with 10 wins, one draw and two losses.

Al-Nassr have completed inside the highest three in every of the final three Saudi Pro League seasons, and this yr they’re decided to reclaim the league title, which they haven’t received for the reason that 2018-19 marketing campaign.

Recent conferences between these two sides additionally favour the guests, with Al-Nassr profitable every of the final 5 SPL encounters towards Al-Khaleej, underlining their dominance on this fixture.

Al Khaleej Saudi Pro League type:

Al-Nassr Saudi Pro League type:

Al-Nassr type (all competitions):

Team News

© Imago / Ali Issa

For Al-Khaleej, Anthony Moris is predicted to proceed between the posts.

In entrance of him, Bandar Nasser, Bart Schenkeveld, Abdullah Al-Hafith and Mohammed Al-Khabrani ought to type the line of defense.

In assault, Saleh Al-Amri, Giorgos Masouras and Kostas Fortounis are anticipated to steer.

Al-Nassr, in the meantime, stay with out Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues to recuperate from a hamstring damage that has confirmed extra critical than initially anticipated.

Saad Haqawi can be a doubt, having not featured since December 2025, whereas Sami Al-Najei stays unavailable following an extended-time period damage sustained earlier within the season.

Raghed Al-Najjar is dominated out after struggling a cruciate ligament damage, whereas Nawaf Al-Aqidi remains to be sidelined with a again drawback.

Al Khaleej doable beginning lineup:

Moris; Schenkeveld, Al-Hafith, Al-Khabrani, Nasser; Kanabah, Kourbelis, Al-Eisa; Al-Amri, Masouras, Fortounis

Al-Nassr doable beginning lineup:

Bento; Martinez, Al-Amri, Simakan, Boushal; Mane, Brozovic, Angelo Gabriel, Coman; Felix, Al-Hamddan

We say: Al Khaleej 1-2 Al-Nassr

Al-Khaleej will hope dwelling benefit can assist them compete, however Al-Nassr’s distinctive type and high quality make them clear favourites. The league leaders have dominated current conferences between the edges and will have sufficient firepower to safe one other essential victory within the title race.

For knowledge evaluation of the almost certainly outcomes, scorelines and extra for this match please click here.