Preview: Al Kholood vs Al-Nassr – Prediction, Team News, Lineups

Al-Nassr will look to record an eighth consecutive win when they face off at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium Al Kholood in round eight of the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season.

While the away team go into Friday's competition on a winning note, the hosts need a boost having failed to win any of their last four games in all competitions.

Game preview

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Al Nassr have started the new campaign with flying colors as they embark on a quest for glory at both domestic and continental levels after falling short on both fronts last season Cristiano Ronaldois the first full season at King Saud University Stadium.

After the dismissal of Luis Castro new head coach in September Stefano Pioli has won all seven opening games, most recently a narrow 1-0 victory over Iranian club Esteghlal FC in Al-Nassr's third AFC Champions League game.

Although the Knights of Najd dominated for long stretches, they had to wait until the 81st minute to break the stalemate Aymeric Laportewho was there to convert the rebound from close range after Ronaldo's parried attempt.

Shortly before, Al-Nassr beat Al Shabab with a dramatic 2-1 win at the Al-Shabab Club Stadium on Friday Abderrazak Hamdallah almost messed up his lines from 12 yards with the last kick of the game.

One of two teams still unbeaten after seven games, Al-Nassr currently sits in third place Saudi Pro League tableone point behind Al-Ittihad in second place and a further three points behind leaders and defending champions Al-Hilal – the only team that still has a perfect record.

The visitors' main aim on Friday will be to secure a fifth consecutive league win when they take on an opponent who is still gaining a foothold in the top flight since finishing third in the Saudi Arabian 1 in their last game . Division has been promoted.

Indeed, the first few weeks have been tough for Al Kholood, who got the ball rolling with consecutive defeats against Al-Ittihad and Al Riyadh before playing out an entertaining 3-3 draw against new signings Al Orubah.

Paulo DuarteThe Algeria men finally got their first win in the fourth game against Al Wehda, but lost the following three games before being held to a 1-1 draw against Al Fateh in their clash at the Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium on Sunday .

Al Kholood started the game brilliantly and took the lead early on thanks to this performance Alex Collado's goal in the ninth minute before they were equalized by an equalizer in the early rallies of the second half DjaninyThe balance.

It is now one win from seven league games for the Pride of Ar Rass, who are just outside the relegation zone on goal difference, before what is probably their biggest game of the season so far against Al-Nassr.

Al Kholood (13) are only behind Al Wehda (18) and Al Feiha (15) in terms of goals conceded so far and will need to address their defensive deficiencies sooner rather than later if they are to have any significant chance of avoiding relegation.

Al Kholood Saudi Pro League form:

Al-Nassr Saudi Pro League form:

Al-Nassr form (all competitions):

Team news

© Imago

Al-Nassrs Mohamed Simakan is ineligible to play a role in Friday's affair after the defender was sent off for two bookable offenses in the win over Al Shabab.

In Simakan's absence Mohammed Al Fatil should partner with Aymeric Laporte in the heart of the defense Salem Alnajdi And Nawaf Boushal Filling one of the full-back positions.

Cristiano Ronaldo will try to score in a fifth consecutive league game to stay ahead in a thrilling race for the Golden Boot Aleksandar Mitrovic And Karim Benzema.

25-year-old Alex Collado has scored four of Al Kholood's eight league goals this season and will once again be heavily relied upon to provide good performances at the top end of the pitch.

Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong was used from the start immediately after his return from the national team and thus maintained his successful streak of being a constant presence for the home team this season.

Al Kholood possible starting lineup:
Grohe; Al Shamrani, Gyomber, Troost-Ekong, Al Asmari; Dieng, N'Doram, Collado; Maolida, Muleka, Al Hammami

Possible starting lineup for Al-Nassr:
Bentos; Alnajdi, Laporte, Al-Fatil, Boushal; Brozovic, Al Khaibari; Mane, Talisca, Otavio; Ronaldo

We say: Al Kholood 0-3 Al-Nassr

Al-Nassr are in commanding form at the moment and it is hard to imagine them being denied all three points against an Al-Kholood side struggling for results.

We expect visitors to carry out their work vigorously in a largely one-sided matter.

For data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this game, please click here.

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