Preview: Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ahli – Prediction, team news, lineups

In the third round of the Saudi Pro League Al-Nassr host Al-Ahli at the King Saud Sport City Stadium on Friday.

The hosts go into this clash with a 4-1 win over Al Fayha, while the visitors lost 0-1 to Al Fateh in their last league game.

Game Preview

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After Al-Nassr had to settle for a draw against Al-Raed on the first matchday, the team quickly took its first league win on the second matchday.

Double from the Brazilian striker Anderson Talisaand one goal each from Cristiano Ronaldo and former Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic sealed a comfortable victory for the Knights of Najd.

For Ronaldo, who has now scored over 900 goals in his professional career, it was the fourth game in a row with a goal in the colors of Al Nassr.

Luis Castro will hope the striker's goal-scoring streak continues when his side face Al-Ahli, with the aim of winning two games in a row for the first time since early May.

The hosts are currently on a winning streak against the visitors and have not lost in their last five games in this encounter, with two wins and one draw on both sides.

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Al-Ahli’s £40m summer signing Ivan Toney could be the key to their success as they look to recover from a disappointing start to the season.

The Jeddah-based team, who finished third in the Saudi Pro League last season, have lost two of their three competitive matches so far, including a 1-0 defeat to Al Fateh last time out.

Having finished 31 points behind league winners Al Hilal and 19 points behind second-placed Al Nassr last season, their hopes of narrowing that gap depend on improving their consistency, particularly away from home.

Al-Ahli picked up 28 out of 51 possible away points last season, but suffered a defeat in their only away game this season.

Al-Nassr Saudi Pro League form:

Al-Nassr Form (All Competitions):

Al-Ahli Saudi Pro League form:

Al-Ahli form (all competitions):

Team News

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Al-Nassr has no major injury concerns ahead of this game, so Castro has plenty of options to choose from.

An attack group consisting of Talisca, Ronaldo, Abdulrahman Ghareeb And Sadio Mane were in the starting line-up last time and are expected to keep their places in this encounter as well.

Al-Ahli will continue to be without the 32-year-old midfielder Abdullah Otayfwho was out for a long time due to a cruciate ligament tear.

Mohammed Al-Majhad is also out due to a knee injury. Abdullah Al-Ammar has been out of action since May.

New signing Toney will fight for a place in the starting eleven, while Abdulkarim Mohamed Ismail Darisi will be hoping to score his second league goal of the season when he takes the lead again.

Possible starting eleven for Al-Nassr:
Bentos; Al Ghanam, Alawjami, Laporte, Telles; Brozovic, Al-Khaibari; talisca, mane; Ronaldo

Possible starting lineup for Al-Ahli:
Mendy; Majrashi, Demiral, Ibanez, Alhurayji; Aljohani, Kessie; Mahrez, Firmino, Viega; Darisi

We think: Al-Nassr 2-1 Al-Ahli

Al-Nassr bounced back from their opening day draw with a convincing win in their last game, which will no doubt boost their morale. Moreover, their previous record against Al-Ahli suggests they have a strong recipe for success heading into this match, likely making them favourites once again.

Click here to see a data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this match.

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