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

Al Nassr return to Al-Awwal Park on Saturday night, figuring out that something lower than victory might dent their Saudi Pro League title hopes.

With 52 factors on the board, the Knights of Najd sit second, whereas Al Hazem, at present eleventh, are targeted on constructing distance from the chasing pack.

Match preview

Al Nassr head into this contest in excellent kind, having constructed severe momentum within the Saudi Pro League title race. 

The Knights of Najd have been relentless this season, combining attacking firepower with defensive organisation to determine themselves as real contenders.

Jorge Jesus’s facet have amassed 52 factors from 21 matches, profitable 17, drawing as soon as, and dropping simply 3 times. 

Their attacking output has been notably spectacular, with 53 objectives scored, whereas conceding solely 18, the second-greatest defensive document within the division.

At dwelling, Al Nassr have turned Al-Awwal Park right into a fortress, having gained 9 of their 10 league matches on their very own turf, struggling only one defeat, and they’ll count on to impose themselves as soon as once more in entrance of their supporters.

Their current kind solely strengthens that expectation, profitable every of their final 9 matches throughout all competitions, together with a slim 1-0 victory over Arkadag of their most up-to-date outing.

With high quality throughout the pitch, the hosts have constantly discovered methods to regulate video games whereas remaining harmful within the remaining third.

© Imago / Ali Issa

Al Hazem, in the meantime, have endured a much more inconsistent marketing campaign, sitting eleventh within the standings with 24 factors from six wins, six attracts, and 9 defeats from their opening 21 matches.

Their defensive frailties have been a recurring difficulty, having conceded 38 objectives to this point, among the many highest within the league, whereas managing simply 22 on the different finish.

Jalel Kadri’s facet have picked up two wins, one draw, and two defeats from their final 5 matches, with a 2-1 victory over Al Akhdoud of their most up-to-date recreation offering a well timed confidence increase.

However, their away kind stays a priority, with simply three wins from 11 matches on the street – Al Hazem have struggled to ship constant performances away from dwelling, which might show expensive in opposition to a excessive-flying opponent.

Kadri’s tactical strategy has typically leaned in direction of a reactive type, specializing in defensive organisation and counter-attacking alternatives, which is probably not sufficient to comprise an Al Nassr facet at present taking part in with confidence and rhythm.

The head-to-head document additionally favours the hosts, with Al Nassr profitable 4 of the final 5 conferences between the perimeters – one ending in a draw, together with a 2-0 victory of their most up-to-date encounter.

Al-Nassr Saudi Pro League kind:

Al-Nassr kind (all competitions):

Al Hazem Saudi Pro League kind:

Team News

© Imago / SOPA Images

Al Nassr might be with out Sami Al-Najei, who stays a doubt after being sidelined since September with a knee harm.

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the squad of their final league outing and marked his comeback with a aim – the veteran ahead is predicted to guide the road as soon as once more as he seems to be so as to add to his tally.

In defence, Mohamed Simakan is more likely to associate Inigo Martinez, with Sultan Al-Ghannam and Ali Al-Amri anticipated to function within the full-again positions.

Marcelo Brozovic and Abdullah Al-Khaibari ought to anchor the midfield, whereas Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman present width. 

As for Al Hazem, Kadri is predicted to stay with a again three, with Sultan Tanker, Youssouf Oumario, and Abdulrahman Al-Dakheel forming the line of defense.

Aboubacar Bah and Rosier Loreintz are more likely to function in midfield, whereas Abdulaziz Al-Duwaihi and Nawaf Al-Habshi provide attacking assist.

Omar Al Somah, who scored within the win over Al Akhdoud, will lead the road, with the striker having netted 5 league objectives this season and remaining the guests’ main attacking menace.

Al-Nassr attainable beginning lineup:

Bento; Al-Ghannam, Simakan, Martinez, Al-Amri; Coman, Brozovic, Al-Khaibari, Mane; Felix, Ronaldo

Al Hazem attainable beginning lineup:

Zaid; Al-Dakheel, Oumario, Tanker; Shamrani, Rosier, Bah, Al-Rashid; Al-Habshi, Al-Duwaihi; Al Somah

We say: Al-Nassr 3-1 Al Hazem

Al Nassr’s present kind, attacking depth, and powerful dwelling document make them clear favourites heading into this contest. 

Al Hazem’s defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistency on the street might be uncovered in opposition to one of many league’s most in-kind sides, and the hosts ought to have sufficient high quality to safe a victory.

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