Match Preview for Al Kholood v Al Nassr
Al Kholood welcome title contenders Al Nassr to the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium on Friday evening as both sides contest their 18th Saudi Pro League fixture of the campaign.
The hosts begin the round hovering just above the relegation zone and in need of points to ease relegation fears, while Al Nassr arrive intent on maintaining pressure on league leaders Al Hilal.
Al Kholood have found life in the Saudi Pro League challenging this season, with Des Buckingham’s side struggling for consistency across the opening half of the campaign.
They currently sit 13th in the table with 15 points from 17 matches, having won just five times while suffering defeat in the majority of their outings.
Al Nassr travel in far stronger shape, occupying second place in the standings with 40 points and firmly in the title conversation.
Jorge Jesus’s side have won 13 of their 17 league matches so far, combining attacking firepower with a solid defensive platform that has allowed them to consistently control games.
After a brief dip in form earlier in January, Al Nassr have responded with three consecutive victories, restoring momentum at a crucial stage of the season.
Team news for Al Kholood v Al Nassr
Al Kholood have no significant injury concerns and are expected to have a near full-strength squad available for Friday’s contest.
Juan Pablo Cozzani is set to continue in goal, with Norbert Gyomber and Shaquille Pinas expected to anchor the defence.
Ramiro Enrique remains the key attacking threat, having scored 10 league goals this season, and will again be relied upon to lead the line.
Kevin N’Doram and John Buckley are likely to start in central midfield, while Hattan Bahbri should retain his place in the forward line.
Al Nassr welcome the continued availability of Sadio Mane, who returned to the starting XI last time out and is expected to feature again.
Sami Al-Najei remains a doubt as he continues to recover from a long-term injury, while Saad Haqawi will be assessed ahead of kick-off.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to lead the attack alongside Joao Felix, with both attackers eager to make a decisive impact.
Expected line-ups for Al Kholood v Al Nassr
Al Kholood: Cozzani; Solan, Gyomber, Pinas, Al-Shahri; Al-Aliwa, N’Doram, Buckley, Sawaan; Enrique, Bahbri
Al Nassr: Bento; Al-Nasser, Simakan, Martinez, Al-Ghanam; Coman, Al-Khaibari, Brozovic, Mane; Felix, Ronaldo
How to watch Al Kholood v Al Nassr: TV channel, online stream
Al Kholood v Al Nassr will be played on Friday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 5:30pm (UK time).
The match will be available to watch via international Saudi Pro League broadcast partners, with streaming options depending on region.
The stats for Al Kholood v Al Nassr
- Al Kholood have won just five league matches this season
- The hosts have conceded over 30 goals in 17 fixtures
- Al Nassr sit second in the Saudi Pro League table
- The visitors have won their last three league matches
- Al Nassr won the reverse fixture 2-0
Prediction
Al Kholood
0
–
2
Al Nassr
Al Kholood’s defensive issues make this a difficult matchup against one of the league’s most potent attacking sides. If Al Nassr establish control early and limit transitions, their superior quality should see them collect three points.
