Al Ettifaq will look to maintain their perfect start to the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League campaign when they host Al-Nassr at the Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium on Friday night. The Knights of Ad-Dahna have begun the season impressively, winning their first three matches and sitting comfortably at the top of the table, while their opponents, Al-Nassr, have struggled to find their form, securing only five points from their opening three games.

After a disappointing sixth-place finish last season, Al-Ettifaq have turned things around under Steven Gerrard’s guidance. The team has shown resilience and composure, securing three consecutive victories, including a hard-fought 1-0 win against Al-Shabab and a 2-1 victory over Al-Fateh. These results have boosted their confidence, and a victory over a strong Al-Nassr side would reinforce their title credentials.

Their recent form at home is also promising, as they are unbeaten in their last three home matches against Al-Nassr. Gerrard will be keen to capitalise on this momentum and continue their impressive start to the season. If they manage to secure a win, it will be their longest winning streak since the 2012 season.

In contrast, Al-Nassr have not had the best start to their league campaign. Despite having a star-studded lineup featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and new signings like Aymeric Laporte, the Knights of Najd have struggled to dominate their opponents. Draws against Al-Raed and Al-Ahli, coupled with a solitary win over Al-Fayha, have left them trailing the league leaders.

The team’s underwhelming performances led to the sacking of manager Luis Castro earlier this week, with Stefano Pioli appointed as his replacement. The former AC Milan boss will make his debut against Al-Ettifaq and will be under immediate pressure to secure a positive result to keep pace with the league leaders.

His tactical acumen and experience will be crucial in turning Al-Nassr’s fortunes around, starting with this challenging fixture. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this highly-anticipated clash.

Al-Ettifaq's Lineup and Tactics

Al-Ettifaq have just one confirmed injury concern heading into their clash against Al-Nassr, with Scottish centre-back Jack Hendry still sidelined due to a severe knee injury. Hendry has yet to feature for the club this season, and his absence continues to be a significant blow to Steven Gerrard’s defensive setup.

Meanwhile, Demarai Gray, who missed the previous match after arriving late from international duty with Jamaica, is now available for selection. However, he faces stiff competition for a starting role following Joao Costa’s impressive performance in the last game.

In a probable 4-3-3 formation, Marek Rodak is expected to take his position between the posts, with Radhi Al-Otaibi occupying the right-back role, while Abdullah Al-Khateeb and Abdullah Madu will partner at the heart of the defence. Madallah Al-Olayan should start at left-back, completing the defensive line.

In midfield, Vitinho will provide creativity and link-up play, supported by the experienced Georginio Wijnaldum in a more central role, and the industrious Seko Fofana, who will likely be tasked with breaking up play and transitioning the ball forward.

The front three is set to include Abdullah Radif on the right wing, with Moussa Dembele leading the attack as the central striker. Demarai Gray could return to the starting lineup on the left wing, adding pace and flair to the attacking unit.

Al-Nassr's Lineup and Tactics

Stefano Pioli could face a tough start to his managerial tenure at Al-Nassr, as club captain Cristiano Ronaldo remains a doubt for Friday’s game due to an illness that forced him to miss their recent trip to Iran.

Ronaldo’s absence would be a significant blow for Al-Nassr, both in terms of leadership and attacking prowess. Should the Portuguese superstar be unable to feature, Anderson Talisca is likely to step in as the focal point of the attack, with the dynamic duo of Otavio and Sadio Mane supporting from advanced midfield roles.

In a potential 4-5-1 formation,  Al-Nassr will have Bento, who has been solid between the posts. The defensive line is expected to comprise Sultan Al-Ghannam at right-back, with Ali Lajami and Aymeric Laporte forming the central defensive partnership, while Mohamed Simakan should start at left-back, providing both defensive stability and attacking support on the flank.

In midfield, Marcelo Brozovic will anchor the team, playing the role of a deep-lying playmaker. He will be joined by Abdullah Al-Khaibari, who will likely operate in a more defensive midfield role to break up play and shield the defence.

On the wings, the explosive pace and skill of Sadio Mane on the left, and the creative flair of Abdulrahman Ghareeb on the right, will look to create opportunities for the forwards. Otavio, positioned centrally, will be the main link between the midfield and attack.

Leading the line will be Anderson Talisca, who will be expected to shoulder the goalscoring responsibilities in Ronaldo’s potential absence, using his physical presence and finishing ability to trouble Al-Ettifaq’s defense.

Sadio Mane: A Key Threat for Al-Nassr

With his explosive pace, dribbling skills, and experience from top European competitions, Mane has the ability to change the course of a game in an instant. His versatility allows him to operate effectively across the forward line, whether creating opportunities from the wings or finishing off moves himself.

With Cristiano Ronaldo potentially missing the match, Mane’s leadership and goalscoring ability will be crucial for Al-Nassr as they aim to secure a victory against a defensively solid Al-Ettifaq side. Expect him to be at the centre of Al-Nassr’s attacking plans, providing a constant threat to the opposition’s backline.

Prediction: Al-Ettifaq to Secure a Narrow Victory

With Al-Ettifaq in high spirits and Al-Nassr undergoing managerial changes, the hosts have a slight edge going into this match. While Al-Nassr possess immense individual talent, their lack of cohesion and recent instability could play into Al-Ettifaq’s hands.

Expect a tightly contested game with both sides eager to prove a point, but the home side’s momentum may just see them through. The Hard Tackle predicts a narrow 2-1 win for Steven Gerrard and his charges.