All eyes will be, as usual, on Cristiano Ronaldo as Al-Nassr take on Al-Wasl in the AFC Champions League Two quarter-finals.
Al-Nassr are currently the juggernaut of Asian football, arriving in Dubai on the back of a staggering match winning streak. For them, this is another step toward a potential treble.
Al-Wasl, however, are viewing this as their “Last Dance” for the season; having fallen out of contention in their domestic league and cup competitions, the continental trophy is their final hope for silverware.
Al-Nassr enter this fixture in devastating form, currently riding a 14-match winning streak in the league. Jorge Jesus has transformed the side into a relentless winning machine, sitting eight points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League.
In contrast, Al-Wasl have struggled for consistency, securing only two wins in their last five outings. With their domestic title hopes faded, this continental competition represents the Cheetahs’ last chance to salvage silverware this season
Al-Wasl team news
The hosts are expected to rely heavily on Fabio Lima to provide the creative spark. Having the advantage of a home crowd in Dubai, manager Milos Milojevic is expected to field his strongest possible XI.
Al-Nassr team news: Is Cristiano Ronaldo fit to play?
The biggest question mark surrounds Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar played through a significant illness during the 1-0 win over Al Ettifaq on Wednesday. Manager Jorge Jesus revealed post-match that Ronaldo was “suffering from stomach pains” and actually “threw up” immediately after being substituted.
While Ronaldo is traveling with the squad to Dubai and is expected to feature, there are reports that Jesus may opt to rest him or use him from the bench to ensure he recovers fully from the fatigue and stomach bug.
Elsewhere, Al-Nassr will be without goalkeeper Raghed Najjar and Mubarak Al Buainain, both of whom are sidelined with long-term injuries. Sami Al Najei also remains a doubt due to a lack of match fitness.
Al-Wasl vs Al-Nassr: Predicted line-ups
Al-Wasl predicted XI: Al-Senani; Khamis, Perez, Bouftini, Salem; Jimenez, Salmeen, Sidibe; Lima, Seferovic, Saleh.
Al-Nassr predicted XI: Bento; Al-Ghanam, Simakan, Laporte, Boushal; Brozovic, Al-Khaibari; Otavio, Talisca, Mane; Ronaldo.
Al-Wasl vs Al-Nassr live stream: How to watch online
The match is available to stream to UK Audiences on YouTube and through OneFootball.
Prediction
Given Al-Nassr’s incredible 17-match winning run and the sheer depth of talent in their squad, it is hard to look past an away win. Even if Ronaldo is not at 100%, the likes of Sadio Mane and Anderson Talisca are in fine form. Al-Wasl will be buoyed by a raucous home support, but the gulf in quality should be enough.
Prediction: Al-Wasl 1-2 Al-Nassr
