Al-Nassr will be looking to make it eight straight victories when they visit the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium to lock horns against Al Kholood in round eight of the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season. While the away side head into Friday's contest on a high, the hosts are in need of a pick-me-up having failed to win any of their most recent four outings across all competitions.
Al-Nassr have kicked off the new campaign on fire as they go in search of domestic and continental glory after falling short on both fronts last term in Cristiano Ronaldo's first full season at the King Saud University Stadium. Following the dismissal of Luis Castro in September, new head coach Stefano Pioli has won all seven opening matches, most recently a narrow 1-0 triumph over Iranian outfit Esteghlal FC in Al-Nassr's third AFC Champions League game. Despite dominating for large spells, the Knights of Najd had to wait until the 81st minute to break the deadlock through Aymeric Laporte, who was on hand to turn the rebound home from close range after Ronaldo's earlier saved attempt. Just before that, Al-Nassr saw off the challenge of Al Shabab courtesy of a dramatic 2-1 victory at the Al-Shabab Club Stadium on Friday when Abderrazak Hamdallah fluffed his lines from 12 yards with almost the last kick of the game. One of two teams still unbeaten after seven matches, Al-Nassr are currently third in the Saudi Pro League table, one point behind Al-Ittihad in second and a further three adrift of leaders and defending champions Al-Hilal—the only side still with a perfect record. Securing a fifth straight league victory will be the major target for Friday's visitors as they face off against an opponent still finding their feet in the top flight since gaining promotion via a third-place finish in the Saudi 1st Division last time out.
Indeed, it has been a tough opening couple of weeks for Al Kholood, who got the ball rolling with consecutive defeats to Al-Ittihad and Al Riyadh before playing out an entertaining 3-3 draw against fellow newcomers Al Orubah. Paulo Duarte's men finally got their first win at the fourth time of asking against Al Wehda but went on to lose their subsequent three outings prior to a 1-1 stalemate against Al Fateh in Sunday's meeting at the Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium. Al Kholood kicked off proceedings brightly and took a rare lead early on thanks to Alex Collado's ninth-minute strike before they were pegged back in the early exchanges of the second period by Djaniny's equaliser. It is now one victory from seven league games for the Pride of Ar Rass, who are just outside the drop zone on goal difference ahead of arguably their biggest assignment of the season to date against Al-Nassr. Behind only Al Wehda (18) and Al Feiha (15) in terms of goals conceded so far, Al Kholood (13) must address their defensive deficiencies sooner rather than later to stand a significant chance of avoiding relegation.
Al-Nassr's Mohamed Simakan is not eligible to play any part in Friday's affair after the defender was sent off for two bookable offences in the victory over Al Shabab. In Simakan's absence, Mohammed Al-Fatil should partner Aymeric Laporte at the heart of the defence, with Salem Alnajdi and Nawaf Boushal manning either full-back position. Cristiano Ronaldo will be aiming to find the back of the net for a fifth league game running as he looks to edge ahead in what is shaping up to be an enthralling race for the Golden Boot with Aleksandar Mitrovic and Karim Benzema. Twenty-five-year-old Alex Collado has scored four of Al Kholood's eight league goals this term and will be heavily relied upon once again to provide the goods at the top end of the pitch. Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong was handed a start right after returning from international duty, maintaining his streak of being an ever present for the home side this season.
Al Kholood possible starting lineup:Grohe; Al Shamrani, Gyomber, Troost-Ekong, Al Asmari; Dieng, N'Doram, Collado; Maolida, Muleka, Al Hammami
Al-Nassr possible starting lineup:Bento; Alnajdi, Laporte, Al-Fatil, Boushal; Brozovic, Al Khaibari; Mane, Talisca, Otavio; Ronaldo
Al-Nassr are in imperious form at the moment, and it is hard to see them being denied all three points against an Al Kholood side struggling for results. We expect the visitors to get the job done emphatically in what should be a largely one-sided affair.For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
In Matchday 8 of the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League, Al Kholood will host Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al Nassr at Al Hazem Club Stadium. Looking to extend their seven-game winning streak, head coach Stefano Pioli made a key decision regarding Ronaldo’s presence on the field.
The Portuguese star has logged significant minutes over the past few weeks. Considering this, and with Al Kholood currently close to the relegation zone, Pioli has opted to rest Ronaldo for Al Nassr‘s matchup against Al Kholood.
Ronaldo has not reported any injury since Al Nassr’s recent AFC Champions League victory over Esteghlal FC. Pioli’s decision to rest him is strategic, with upcoming games against Al Kawoon in the King’s Cup and a crucial league match against table leaders Al Hilal on the horizon.
This marks the second time Ronaldo has been left out of Pioli’s roster. The first instance occurred during Pioli’s debut against Al Shorta in the AFC Champions League when Ronaldo was sidelined due to a viral infection.
Today, Ronaldo is receiving well-deserved rest after featuring in four matches over the past 10 days, split between Portugal’s national team and Al Nassr. Notably, the recent game against Esteghlal FC was the first match in which Ronaldo did not score under Pioli’s management.
Ronaldo will be spending time with his family, specially taking care of his partner Georgina Rodriguez, who was hospitalized for four days at Saudi German Hospital.
The model posted on Instagram an update about his situation: “Finally back home! I spent four days in the hospital with pneumonia. I’m better now but still recovering at home with my family.”
Al-Kholood are set to face Al-Nassr with William Troost-Ekong in defence. The Nigerian defender will continue his streak after serving for Nigeria in the FIFA World Cup. Alex Collado is the home side's goal-scoring hope. The striker has scored four of the Arab side's eight goals this season.
Mohamed Simakan will be out for Al-Nassr on Friday after being sent off with two yellow cards in the last round. Mohammed Al-Fatil is the likely replacement for the defender to start alongside Laporte at the back.
Despite Ronaldo's absence, Al-Nassr remain a formidable force. They have shown their strength in recent matches, showcasing their ability to win even without their star striker. With a strong squad and a winning mentality, Al-Nassr are poised to continue their dominance in the Saudi Pro League.
However, Al Kholood are not to be underestimated. They will be eager to prove themselves against a top team like Al-Nassr. Their fighting spirit and determination could make this match a lot closer than many expect.
Ultimately, this match is a chance for both teams to show their mettle. Al-Nassr will be aiming to maintain their winning streak and prove their strength even without Ronaldo. Al Kholood, on the other hand, will be looking to upset the odds and pull off a major victory against a top team.
It's a clash that promises excitement, drama, and a battle for supremacy in the Saudi Pro League. Be sure to tune in to see how this match unfolds.
