Ange Postecoglou’s Al-Nassr will look to make it two wins from two in the Saudi Pro League this afternoon when they take on Al-Riyadh.
Al-Nassr have begun the Postecoglou era in fine form, the defending Pro League champions claiming a 4-1 victory in the round of 32 of the King’s Cup against Diriyah before then cruising to a 3-0 win over Al Fateh in their league opener.
Al-Riyadh narrowly avoided relegation last season, surviving by just one point. They opened their campaign with a 4-2 defeat to Al-Ettifaq, but bounced back by beating Al-Zulfi 2-0 in the King’s Cup.
Their record against Al-Nassr is dreadful. They have not avoided defeat against the champions since a 2-2 draw in May, 2024. Al-Nassr completed the league double over Al Riyadh last season, winning 5-1 at home and 1-0 away.
AL-RIYADH TEAM NEWS
Al-Riyadh: Borjan; Al-Essa, Majrashi, Al-Khaibari, Hazazi; Keita, Al-Jayzani, Mensah; Okou, Antunes, Trezeguet
Al-Riyadh substitutes: Fida, Al-Ali, Bahri, Al-Subhi, Al-Raqwani, Al-Shurafaa, Al-Tale, Matar, Fall
AL-NASSR TEAM NEWS
The big news is the return of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar had been struggling with a pelvic muscle injury but could be in line to make his first appearance of the season off the bench.
He did not play in either of Al-Nassr’s first two games of the season after a delayed return to Saudi Arabia following the World Cup.
Al-Nassr: Bento; Boushal, Al-Amri, Martinez, Salem; Khaibari, Angelo, Coman, Mane, Felix; Hamdan
Al-Nassr substitutes: Al-Otaibi, Nader, Al-Hassan, Awad, Abdulmalik, Sami Al-Najei, Haqawi, Ayman, Ronaldo
Where to watch Al Riyadh v Al Nassr FC: TV and online streams
Al Riyadh v Al Nassr kicks off at 5:00pm UK time. It will be available to watch in the UK on DAZN.
Stats for Al Riyadh v Al Nassr FC
- Joao Felix has scored seven goals in his last eight club appearances for Al Nassr.
- Al Nassr have scored at least three goals in four of their last five matches.
- Al Riyadh have failed to win in 26 of their last 32 games.
