Al-Najma take on Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League on Wednesday. Read our in-depth preview here
Al-Najma host Al-Nassr on Wednesday at Al-Najma Club Stadium in a Saudi Pro League encounter between the division’s bottom side and one of its strongest title contenders.
The hosts are fighting to keep their survival hopes alive, while the visitors arrive looking to maintain their push at the top of the standings.
Al-Najma have endured a difficult campaign since promotion. They sit 18th in the table with just eight points from 22 matches, recording one win, five draws and 16 defeats so far.
Al-Nassr arrive in completely different circumstances. They sit top of the table with 55 points from 22 matches after 18 wins, one draw and three defeats.
The visitors are in excellent form, winning eight successive matches in all competitions without conceding a goal.
Their away record has been equally strong, with eight wins, one draw and two defeats on the road. The last meeting between the clubs also favours the visitors, as Al-Nassr recorded a 6-0 win when they last faced each other in 2003.
Team news for Al-Najma v Al-Nassr
Al-Najma are without Felippe Cardoso following his red card in the previous match, while Mohammed Al-Kunaydiri remains sidelined with a long-term cruciate ligament injury.
Hisham Al-Dubais is expected to lead the attack, supported by Lazaro, while Nasser Al-Haleel, Abdullah Al-Hawsawi, Samir Caetano and Khalid Al-Subaie should form part of the defensive line.
Al-Nassr have a couple of fitness concerns. Saad Haqawi is doubtful due to a physical issue and Sami Al-Najei is dealing with a knee problem.
Marcelo Brozovic and Angelo Gabriel are expected to feature in midfield, while Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman support a front partnership of Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Expected line-ups for Al-Najma v Al-Nassr
Al-Najma: Braga; Al-Hawsawi, Al-Haleel, Samir, Al-Subaie; Boutobba, Emad, Guga, Tijanic; Lazaro, Al-Dubais
Al-Nassr: Bento; Yahya, Al-Amri, Simakan, Al-Ghanam; Mane, Brozovic, Angelo Gabriel, Coman; Felix, Ronaldo
Where to watch Al-Najma v Al-Nassr: TV channel, online stream
The match kicks off at 19:00 GMT will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on DAZN.
Subscribers can also watch via the DAZN streaming platform on mobile devices, smart TVs and desktop.
The stats for Al-Najma v Al-Nassr
- Al-Najma have taken just eight points from 22 league matches this season
- The hosts have conceded 46 goals in the Saudi Pro League
- Al-Nassr have won eight consecutive matches in all competitions without conceding
- The league leaders have 18 wins from 22 matches
- Al-Nassr won the last meeting between the sides 6-0
Prediction
Al-Najma
0
–
3
Al-Nassr
The gap in quality and confidence between the sides is significant. Al-Nassr’s attacking depth should allow them to control the match and secure a comfortable win.
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