Pro League,
Round 4
Al-Nassr
NAS
28/08/2026
19:00
Al Taawon
-
Venue
- King Saud University Stadium
Preview for Al Nassr v Al Taawoun
Al Nassr will hope for a more routine win against Al Taawoun in their latest Saudi Pro League clash following a dramatic comeback victory over Al Ettifaq last time out.
The defending champions have a 100 per cent record under Ange Postecoglou and are already two points clear at the top of the table with three wins from three.
But they had to dig deep to see off Al Ettifaq after having goalkeeper Bento sent off in the 12th minute and then falling 2-0 behind.
Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted at half-time by Postecoglou in a controversial move that was ultimately vindicated as Sadio Mane and Abdulelah Al Amri drew Al Nassr level before the former completed the turnaround in stoppage time.
Afterwards, Postecoglou hailed his side’s character.
“What you have to understand is that it’s not just about the player quality, it’s about what kind of person they are,” Postecoglou said. “So yes, they’re top-quality players, but they’re fighters. And today they made a decision to fight.
“Doesn’t matter how difficult it was, they weren’t going to accept it. And that shows more than playing ability. It shows their character.”
Postecoglou will hope such character is not required against Al Taawoun, who have yet to win in the league this season.
They have taken two points from their opening three games, earning a pair of 0-0 draws and losing 3-2 to Al Kholood.
With Abderrazak Hamdallah on target for both goals, he is the only Al Taawoun player to find the net in the league this season.
They will settle for any goalscorer against Al Nassr, but the history of the fixture and recent results all point to a straightforward evening for the champions.
The Pro League Table
Saudi Professional League
- Position 1, 2, 3, 4 : Promotion – AFC Champions League (League phase)
- Position 5 : Promotion – AFC Champions League (Qualification)
- Position 6 : Promotion – AFC Champions League 2
- Position 7 : Promotion – Gulf Club Champions League
- Position 16, 17, 18 : Relegation – Division 1
Team News for Al Nassr v Al Taawoun
Al Nassr are without the suspended Bento in goal.
Defenders Mohamed Simakan and Saad Al-Nasser, forward Mohammed Maran and winger Abdulrahman Ghareeb all missed the win over Al Ettifaq due to injuries.
Goalkeepers Nawaf Al-Aqidi and Raghed Al-Najjar remain out.
Expected line-ups for Al Nassr v Al Taawoun
Al Nassr: Al Otaibi; Boushal, Martinez, Al-Amri, Al-Najdi; Coman, Costa, Angelo, Mane; Felix; Ronaldo.
Al Taawoun: Mailson; Al-Hurayji, Al-Saluli, Al-Mufarrij, Petkov; Dorley, El Mahdioui, Bajrami; Al-Kuwaykibi, Hamdallah, Al-Arini.
Recent Form & Stats for Al Nassr v Al Taawoun
- Al Nassr are unbeaten in their last five Saudi Pro League matches against Al Taawoun, their last defeat coming in August, 2023.
- Al Taawoun are winless in their last six Saudi Pro League matches stretching back to last season.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has three goals against Al Taawoun since joining Al Nassr.
- Al Nassr’s Joao Felix has four goal involvements in the league so far this season. No player in the division has more.
Where to Watch Al Nassr v Al Taawoun: TV and online streams
Al-Nassr v Al Taawoun kicks off at 7:00pm UK time on Friday. It is available to stream via DAZN.
Prediction for Al Nassr v Al Taawoun
Al Taawoun’s start to the season does not get any easier, with the odds of them claiming a first league win very slim. Expect Al Nassr to make it four wins from four with little difficulty.
Al-Nassr
3 – 1
Al Taawon
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