Al Nassr is set to face a pivotal match against Al Fayha at Al-Awwal Park on Friday, 19 April 2024. The clash, which is part of gameweek 28 of the Saudi Pro League, holds immense significance for Al Nassr’s title aspirations, as they currently trail league leaders Al-Hilal by 12 points with only seven games remaining.
The hosts will be without their talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo, who is serving a suspension after receiving a red card in the recent 2-1 defeat to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup semifinal. However, Al Nassr has been in scintillating form in the league, having won their last four matches and losing only one of their previous 12 dating back to December.
On the flip side, Al Fayha finds themselves comfortably nestled in mid-table, with an 11-point cushion separating them from the relegation zone. The visitors have demonstrated their prowess on the road, securing victories in three of their last five away league games, making them a formidable opponent for Al Nassr.
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Al Nassr vs Al Fayha: Predicted Lineups
The predicted lineup for Al Nassr features a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ospina guarding the goal; Alawjami, Al-Fatil, Laporte, and Telles forming the defensive line; Al Ghanam and Al-Khaibari anchoring the midfield; and Brozovic, Ghareeb, Otavio, and Mane spearheading the attack. This well-balanced lineup showcases Al Nassr’s depth and quality, even in the absence of their star player.
Al Fayha is expected to mirror Al Nassr’s formation, with Stojkovic between the posts; Al Baqawi, Al-Khaibari, Al-Shuwaish, and Konan in the backline; Al-Safri and Cimirot in the middle of the park; and Onyekuru, Sabiri, Sakala, and Nwakaeme leading the charge upfront. This tactical setup suggests that Al Fayha will look to match Al Nassr’s intensity and fight fire with fire.
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Head-to-Head Record
The head-to-head record between these two sides heavily favours Al Nassr, who recently eliminated Al Fayha from the AFC Champions League Round of 16 in February. In their last 15 meetings, Al Nassr has emerged victorious on 10 occasions, with four draws and only one win for Al Fayha. This historical dominance will undoubtedly boost Al Nassr’s confidence heading into the match.
Despite the absence of their talismanic forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr possesses the quality and depth to secure a home win against a mid-table Al Fayha side. The hosts will be determined to keep their title hopes alive and close the gap on league leaders Al-Hilal. The pressure is on Al Nassr to deliver a convincing performance and maintain their winning momentum in the league.
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As the anticipation builds for this intriguing clash, fans and pundits alike will be eager to see how Al Nassr copes without their star player and whether they can rise to the occasion. The stage is set for an enthralling encounter at Al-Awwal Park, with Al Nassr aiming to assert their dominance and keep their title dreams afloat.
The football world will be watching closely as this crucial match unfolds, with the outcome potentially having far-reaching implications for the Saudi Pro League title race. Can Al Nassr overcome the absence of Ronaldo and secure a vital victory, or will Al Fayha spring a surprise and derail the hosts’ title aspirations?
