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Saudi Pro League | Gameweek 2
Aug 27, 2024 at 7pm UK
King Abdullah Sport City Stadium
Al-Nassr

Al Fayha
1 - 4
Al-Nassr

Sakala (87')
Kaabi (18'), Al Hussain (30')
FT(HT: 0-2)
Talisca (5', 90+5'), Ronaldo (45+10'), Brozovic (85')

Preview: Al Fayha vs. Al-Nassr - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Tuesday's Saudi Pro League clash between Al Fayha and Al-Nassr, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Al Fayha will host Al-Nassr in round two of the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season on Tuesday, with both sides seeking their first victory of the new campaign.

The hosts suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Al-Taawoun in their season opener, while the visitors were held to a 1-1 draw by Al-Raed.


Match preview

Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their first goal on August 22, 2024© Reuters

Al-Nassr finished 14 points behind league and cup champions Al-Hilal last season, extending their title drought to five years, having last won the league in 2018-19.

The Knights of Najd also ended the season without a trophy, and their hopes of ending this barren run took a hit in the Saudi Super Cup final, where they were defeated 4-1 by Al-Hilal on August 17.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored in the Super Cup but left the field in frustration after the match, was Al-Nassr's shining light in their league opener against Al-Raed, putting his side ahead.

However, Luis Castro's side failed to hold onto the lead, as they conceded a penalty that was converted by Al-Raed's Mohamed Fouzair four minutes into the second half.

Al-Nassr will be eager to bounce back with a victory against Al-Fayha, having dominated their encounters, winning 12 of the 17 matches between the two sides, including the last four.

Al Nassr coach Luis Castro reacts on April 8, 2024© Reuters

Al Fayha's season started with a heartbreak, after conceding a 95th-minute goal in the defeat to Al-Taawoun despite playing with a man advantage after since the 81st minute.

The club's aim will be to build on their ninth-place finish from last season and challenge for a higher position in the league, having taken a leap from the 2022-23 season when they finished in 11th place with 33 points.

Christos Kontis, who replaced Vuk Rasovic as manager at the start of this campaign, will be tasked with improving the team's performance and securing consistent results.

Al Fayha's home record last season was respectable, with four wins, seven draws, and six losses, and they will be hoping to extend their four-match unbeaten streak at home and cause an upset against the formidable Al-Nassr.

Al Fayha Saudi Pro League form:


Al Fayha form (all competitions):


Al-Nassr Saudi Pro League form:


Al-Nassr form (all competitions):



Team News

Sadio Mane of Al-Nassr FC during the match between Granada CF and Al-Nassr on August 17, 2024© Imago

Al Fayha will enter this match without Nigerian winger Henry Onyekuru, and experienced midfielder Mohammed Abusabaan, who are both out with injuries.

Fashion Sakala, who scored 19 goals in 31 league appearances last season after joining from Scottish side Rangers, is expected to keep his place in the attack on Tuesday.

Al-Nassr have no major injury or suspension concerns ahead of this match, leaving Castro with plenty of options to choose from.

Brazilian forward Talisca, who missed a significant portion of the previous season due to a thigh muscle injury, started the opening league game and is expected to retain his place alongside Ronaldo, Otavio and Sadio Mane as the attacking quartet.


Al Fayha possible starting lineup:
Al-Deqeel; Al Dowaish, Al Khaibari, Al Rashidi, Abdi; Al-Beshe, Kaabi; Harthi, Al Hussain, Al Rammah, Sakala

Al-Nassr possible starting lineup:
Bento; Al Ghanam, Alawjami, Laporte, Telles; Brozovic, Al-Khaibari; Otavio, Talisca, Mane; Ronaldo


SM words green background

We say: Al Fayha 1-2 Al-Nassr

Al-Nassr are aware that there is little room for complacency if they hope to end their title drought, and the opening day draw leaves them with something to prove against Al Fayha, a team they have dominated in previous encounters.

Given their historical dominance in this fixture, we anticipate a victory for the visitors in this match but we expect them to concede.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.




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Game History

How you voted: Al Fayha vs Al-Nassr

Al Fayha
7.9%
Draw
10.5%
Al-Nassr
81.6%
38
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Al Ittihad1110012681830
2Al-HilalAl-Hilal1191129111828
3Al-Nassr1164122101222
4Al ShababAl Shabab11713157822
5Al Quadisiya11713158722
6Al Khaleej116141514119
7Al-AhliAl-Ahli11524159617
8Al-TaawounAl-Taawoun114341110115
9Al Riyadh114341315-215
10Al RaedAl Raed114251616014
11Damac114251819-114
12Al Ettifaq11335915-612
13Al Orubah113171024-1410
14Al Okhdood112361215-39
15Al WahdaAl Wahda112361527-129
16Al Kholood111461321-87
17Al Fayha11146720-137
18Al Fateh11128820-125


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