Al-Nassr Faces Struggling Al Raed in Saudi Pro League Clash

BURAYDAH, Saudi Arabia — Al-Nassr will look to extend their winning streak when they face a struggling Al Raed side in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium. The match, scheduled for 5 p.m. local time, pits a team in form against one desperate to avoid relegation.

Al Raed, sitting just above the relegation zone with 14 points from 17 matches, are reeling from six consecutive league defeats. Their most recent loss, a 2-1 defeat to Al Kholood, highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities, having conceded 30 goals this season. Head coach Hellmann faces an uphill battle to turn around a team that has won just once in their last seven matches.

“We know the situation we’re in,” Hellmann said in a pre-match press conference. “Every game is crucial now, and we need to find a way to stop the bleeding.”

Al-Nassr, on the other hand, are riding high after back-to-back wins, including a 3-1 victory over Al Fateh. With 35 points, they sit fourth in the league, eight points behind leaders Al-Hilal. The Riyadh-based club has been formidable on the road, scoring in all eight away fixtures this season, including 10 goals in their last three visits to King Abdullah Sport City Stadium.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who turns 40 next month, remains a key figure for Al-Nassr. The Portuguese star has contributed 16 goals and assists this season and is expected to lead the attack alongside Sadio Mane and Otavio. “Ronaldo’s experience and quality are invaluable,” said Al-Nassr’s manager. “He continues to inspire the team.”

Al Raed’s injury woes compound their challenges, with key players sidelined, including a cruciate ligament injury to a first-team regular. Al-Nassr also faces absences, with a defender recovering from a leg injury and another out with a cruciate ligament tear.

Predicted lineups suggest Al Raed will field a similar XI to their last match, with Meshary Sanyor in goal and Amir Sayoud leading the attack. Al-Nassr is expected to start Bento Krepski in goal, with Ronaldo spearheading a potent frontline.

Given Al Raed’s defensive struggles and Al-Nassr’s attacking prowess, the visitors are heavily favored. A 3-1 victory for Al-Nassr is widely predicted, which would further solidify their position in the top four while pushing Al Raed closer to the relegation zone.