This weekend Saudi Pro League Clash between Al-Nassr And Al Orubah will be an exciting duel, as the top-class hosts want to extend their unbeaten start to the season and at the same time put together a four-game winning streak under the new coach Stefano Pioli as they fight for the championship title.

In contrast, Al Orubah go into this game in ninth place with seven points from five games and are benefiting from the momentum of two hard-fought league wins in a row against teams sitting at the bottom of the table. However, they face their toughest challenge of the season far in this game against Al Nassr.

Game preview

© Imago

Al Alami go into this weekend's game full of confidence and sit comfortably in fourth place with 11 points from five league games. Their unbeaten start with three wins and two draws makes them an early contender for a strong season.

The hosts' balanced approach is reflected in their ability to score freely: they scored eleven goals and conceded just three. They demonstrated their organization all over the pitch and their confidence was further boosted by a recent 2-1 win against Al Rayyan in the AFC Champions League Elite.

A key factor in Al-Nassr's impressive start to the season has been the influence of newly appointed coach Stefano Pioli, who took charge on September 18.

Under his leadership the team has won four games in a row in all competitions, with his tactical approach energizing the team and promoting consistency.

Pioli's men have demonstrated their ability to break through defenses with ease by scoring nine goals in their last four games. The manager's tactics have allowed her key players to excel and her attacking trio to consistently find the back of the net despite a defeat in the Super Cup final against Al Hilal.

Defensively, Al Nassr have also been impressive, conceding just two goals in their four-game winning streak, while their well-organized defense under Pioli has provided a strong foundation for their attacking play, conceding just three goals in the league so far.

Al Orubah go into this game aiming to build on their recent form, having secured two consecutive league wins that took them to ninth place in the Saudi Pro League standings, with seven points from five games It showed resilience on its return to the Saudi Pro League after a long absence.

However, their season has been mixed so far, with two defeats and a draw alongside wins, and while wins against Damac and Al-Fateh provided a much-needed boost, they now face a significant step up in quality when they take on Al-Nassr.

Despite their recent success, Orubah's attack has struggled to consistently break through the opposition defense, scoring just six goals in their five league games. Against Al Nassr's well-organized defense, they will have to dig deep to find a way to unlock their hosts.

One of Al Orubah's main concerns ahead of this game is their lack of experience at the highest level, as they are still getting used to the intensity and quality of the Saudi Pro League after their last appearance in the 2014/15 season.

Their recent wins have come against teams currently sitting at the bottom of the table and the step up in quality to face a top side like Al-Nassr will undoubtedly test their mettle.

Al-Nassr Saudi Pro League form:

Al-Nassr form (all competitions):

Al Orubah Saudi Pro League form:

Team news

© Imago

Cristiano Ronaldo has been crucial for Al-Nassr this season. His first four goals for the club placed him third in the Saudi Pro League top scorers list for the 2024–25 season.

Sami Al Najei will be sidelined until June 2025 after undergoing surgery for a cruciate ligament injury, presenting major challenges for the hosts as they look to maintain their strong start to the season.

Cristian Tello has emerged as Al-Orubah's main attacking threat, having scored both goals in their two wins this season, and his commitment will be crucial for the team in this game.

Kurt ZoumaThe West Ham United loanee has been instrumental in helping Al-Orubah keep a clean sheet this season and his disciplined defensive performance will be crucial if the visitors are to secure a positive result in this game.

Possible starting lineup for Al-Nassr:
Bentos; Al Ghanam, Simakan, Laporte, Al-Najdi; Al-Khaibari, Otavio; Angelo, Talisca, Mane; Ronaldo

Possible Al Orubah starting lineup:
Coucke; Taleb, Kandouss, Zouma, Al-Zubaidi; Seri; Zubaidi, Gudmundsson, Muhar, Tello; Boateng

We say: Al-Nassr 3-1 Al Orubah

Under the leadership of coach Stefano Pioli, the hosts have built a balanced team that shines in both attack and defense and has only conceded three goals in the first few games.

With Cristiano Ronaldo being the team's top scorer, it will be difficult for Al Orubah to contain Al Nassr's attacking threat.

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

Previews via email