Al-Ettifaq vs. Al-Nassr: Preview and Prediction

Al-Ettifaq hosts Al-Nassr this week on Friday evening in what will be a standout match of the Saudi Pro League.

Al-Ettifaq will be looking to continue their perfect start to the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League season when they host Al-Nassr at the Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium on Friday night. The Knights of Ad-Dahna have started 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, picking up just five points from their first three games.

After a disappointing sixth-place finish last season, Al-Ettifaq have turned things around under Steven Gerrard’s leadership. The team showed resilience and composure to secure three consecutive wins, including a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Al-Shabab and a 2-1 win over Al-Fateh. These results have boosted their confidence and a win over a strong Al-Nassr side would strengthen their title chances.

Their current form at home is also promising, as they are unbeaten in their last three home games against Al-Nassr. Gerrard will be keen to use this momentum and continue their impressive start to the season. If they can claim a win, it would be their longest winning streak since the 2012 season.

Al-Nassr, on the other hand, have not had the best start to the league season. Despite a star-studded line-up including Cristiano Ronaldo and new signings such as Aymeric Laporte, the Knights of Najd have struggled to dominate their opponents. Draws against Al-Raed and Al-Ahli and a single win against Al-Fayha have left them behind the leaders.

The team’s disappointing performances led to the sacking of coach Luis Castro earlier this week and his replacement was Stefano Pioli. The former AC Milan coach will make his debut against Al-Ettifaq and is under immediate pressure to secure a positive result to keep up with the league leaders.

His tactical acumen and experience will be crucial in turning Al-Nassr’s fortunes around, starting with this challenging match. The Hard Tackle looks at the possible formations and tactics for this highly anticipated clash.

Team news and tactics

Al-Ettifaq

Al-Ettifaq have only one confirmed injury concern ahead of their match against Al-Nassr: Scottish centre-back Jack Hendry remains out with a serious knee injury. Hendry has yet to make an appearance for the club this season and his absence continues to be a major blow to Steven Gerrard’s defence.

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

In a likely 4-3-3 formation, Marek Rodak is expected to take up his position between the sticks, while Radhi Al-Otaibi will take on the role of right-back, while Abdullah Al-Khateeb and Abdullah Madu will form the heart of the defence together. Madallah Al-Olayan is expected to start at left-back, completing the backline.

In midfield, Vitinho will provide creativity and combination play, supported by the experienced Georginio Wijnaldum in a more central role and the hard-working Seko Fofana, whose job will likely be to break up play and move the ball forward.

The front three is expected to include Abdullah Radif on the right wing, with Moussa Dembele leading the attack as a centre-forward. Demarai Gray could return to the starting line-up on the left wing, adding pace and flair to the attacking unit.

Expected formation (4-3-3): Rodak; Al-Otaibi, Al-Khateeb, Madu, Al-Olayan; Vitinho, Wijnaldum, Fofana; Radif, Dembele, Gray

Al-Nassr

Stefano Pioli could face a difficult start to his new tenure as Al-Nassr coach, with captain Cristiano Ronaldo remaining doubtful for Friday’s match due to an illness that forced him to miss the recent trip to Iran.

Ronaldo’s absence would be a huge blow to Al-Nassr, both in terms of leadership and attacking prowess. If the Portuguese superstar is unavailable, Anderson Talisca is likely to step in as a central striker, with the dynamic duo of Otavio and Sadio Mane providing support from advanced midfield positions.

In a possible 4-5-1 formation, Al-Nassr will use Bento, who has been solid between the sticks. The backline is expected to consist of Sultan Al-Ghannam at right-back, while Ali Lajami and Aymeric Laporte form the centre-back duo, while Mohamed Simakan should start at left-back to provide both defensive stability and attacking support on the flank.

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

On the wings, Sadio Mane on the left with his explosive pace and skill and Abdulrahman Ghareeb on the right with his creative flair will look to create chances for the strikers. Otavio, positioned centrally, will be the key link between midfield and attack.

Leading the attacking line is Anderson Talisca, who will assume goal-scoring responsibility in Ronaldo’s possible absence. He will use his physical presence and finishing ability to trouble Al-Ettifaq’s defense.

Expected formation (4-2-3-1): Bentos; Al Ghanam, Lajami, Laporte, Simakan; Brozovic, Al-Khaibari; Ghareeb, Otavio, Mane; Talisca

Key statistics

• Al-Ettifaq started the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League season with three consecutive wins for the first time since the 2011/12 season. So far, they have a perfect record, scoring four goals and conceding just one.
• Al-Nassr have won their last two matches against Al-Ettifaq, scoring five goals and conceding just one, but have failed to win their last three away matches at the Al Ettifaq Club Stadium.
• Al-Ettifaq have been strong at home, remaining unbeaten in their last seven league matches at Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium (5 wins, 2 draws), with their last home defeat coming in February 2024.
• Al-Nassr have only won two of their last seven away league games (2 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses), showing an inconsistent performance in away matches.
• Al-Ettifaq have conceded just one goal in their first three league matches this season, giving them one of the best defensive performances in the league. This defensive strength will be put to the test against Al-Nassr’s strong attacking options.

Players in focus

Sadio Mane

Embed from Getty Images

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

With Cristiano Ronaldo potentially missing the game, Mane’s leadership and goal threat will be crucial for Al-Nassr as they seek a win against a defensively solid Al-Ettifaq side. Expect him to be at the heart of Al-Nassr’s attacking plans and pose a constant threat to the opposition defence.

forecast

Al-Ettifaq – Al-Nassr 2:1

With Al-Ettifaq in high spirits and Al-Nassr going through a change of coach, the hosts go into this match with a slight advantage. While Al-Nassr have tremendous individual talent, their lack of cohesion and recent instability could play into Al-Ettifaq’s hands.

It will be a hard-fought game with both sides desperate to prove something, but the home side’s momentum could see them through. The Hard Tackle is predicting a narrow 2-1 win for Steven Gerrard and his charges.