Al Nassr vs Al Ettifaq: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Knights of Najd will be seeking revenge post-matchday 1 league defeat to Al Ettifaq

Al Nassr played its Round of 32 Kings Cup tie against Division 1 side Ohod Club at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium. The home side couldn't do much against the visitors who finished second in the Saudi Pro League last season. A 5-1 win helped Al Nassr make it to the Round of 16 where they now meet Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq.

Al Ettifaq are sitting in the seventh position and five points below Al Nassr in the league. But they should have a bit of confidence after defeating the Knights of Najd 2-1 in their 2023-24 Saudi Pro League opener. In the Round of 32 clash with Division 1 outfit Jeddah Club, Georginio Wijnaldum started with the opening goal as his teammates added 3 more to the scoreline without conceding.

Kick-Off:

Tuesday, 31 October 2023 at 2:45 PM UK (8:15 PM IST)

Location: AL-AWWAL PARK Stadium

Form

Al Nassr (in all competitions): W-W-W-D-W

Al Ettifaq (in all competitions): W-L-L-D-W

Players to Watch

Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)

The Real Madrid legend couldn't find the net last game but did assist Anderson Talisca. The Saudi Pro League's current top scorer with 11 goals in 10 appearances is no doubt going to be a threat once again. Also, he has 6 assists in the league by now. The 38-year-old did produce a brace of goals in AFC Champions League a game prior. A stunner from outside the box and a close-range first-time finish off an aerial cross. Both of which were scored by the weaker left foot.

Georginio Wijnaldum (Al Ettifaq)

After helping his side win the last game in the Saudi Pro League, Georginio Wijnaldum will be the key player expected to trouble Al Nassr. His brace of goals against Al Wehda takes his goal tally to 4 in 6 appearances in the league. The midfielder was also involved in his side's Round of 32 King Cup of Champions clash with Jeddah Club. Wijnaldum had scored once and provided an assist.

Match Facts

• Al Nassr last met Al Ettifaq in Saudi Pro League matchday 1. They lost 2-1
• Al Ettifaq after their Round of 32 win, only won one game of a possible four
• Al Nassr are undefeated in the last 14 consecutive games in all competitions

Injury & Team News

For Al Nassr, it was interesting to see Aymeric Laporte not on the teamsheet last game. But with an impressive performance from the side against Al Feiha, coach Luís Castro shouldn't need any tinkering with the squad in the Round of 16 King Cup of Champions clash.

Al Ettifaq finally won their last game after being on a 3 game-winless run. Coach Steven Gerrard will surely deploy Georginio Wijnaldum in his midfield after the player netted a brace past Al Wehda goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi. Jordan Henderson and Demarai Gray should once again start.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 45

Al Nassr wins – 19

Al Ettifaq wins – 11

Draws – 15

Predicted Lineup

Al Nassr predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Alaqidi (GK); Boushal, Alamri, Madu, Telles; Fofana, Ghareeb; Otavio, Talisca, Mane; Ronaldo

Al Ettifaq predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Victor (GK); Yousef, Tisserand, Hendry, Al Shamrani; Hazazi, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Al Kuwaykibi, Quaison, Gray

Match Prediction for Al Nassr vs Al Ettifaq

In their last meeting, Al Ettifaq ended up winning 2-1. But Al Nassr's teamsheet wasn't the strongest one that day. With the likes of Ronaldo, Otavio, Talisca and Seko Fofana, things surely will be different in this Round of 16 Kind Cup of Champions meeting. The attacking threat that the Knights of Najd possess should earn them a victory over Gerrard's men.

Prediction: Al Nassr 3-2 Al Ettifaq

Telecast for Al Nassr vs Al Ettifaq

India – SonyLiv

UK – N/A

US – N/A 

Nigeria – N/A

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