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

Published at :December 28, 2023 at 2:03 PM

Modified at :January 14, 2024 at 12:35 AM

Matchday 19 of the Saudi Pro League is set to be underway

In the heart of the Saudi Pro League, football enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating a riveting clash between Al Taawoun and Al Nassr scheduled for December 30, 2023, at the iconic King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in Buraidah, Saudi Arabia. This matchup promises high stakes, intense competition, and a spectacle for fans as two football powerhouses vie for supremacy on the pitch.

The teams have been on distinct trajectories, with Al-Taawoun seeking redemption after a recent setback against Al-Fateh, while Al-Nassr rides high on the momentum of a convincing 2–5 victory over Al-Ittihad.

Al-Taawoun’s recent clash with Al-Fateh ended in a 1-3 defeat, highlighting areas that the team aims to rectify in the upcoming match. Possessing the ball for an impressive 68% of the game, Al-Taawoun displayed a potent attacking force with 7 of their 21 attempts on target. However, defensive concerns persist, as they have conceded nine goals in five of their last six matches.

On the flip side, Al-Nassr enter the contest buoyed by their dominant performance against Al-Ittihad. A 60% possession rate and clinical finishing saw them secure a 2–5 victory, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Anderson Talisca, and Sadio Mané among the goal scorers. Al-Nassr have netted eleven goals in their last six games, showcasing their offensive prowess.

Kick-Off:

Saturday, December 30, 2023, 11:30 PM (IST)

Stadium: King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Form

Al Taawoun: L W L W W

Al Nassr: W W W W D

Players to Watch

Joao Pedro (Al Taawoun)

Brazilian forward João Pedro Pereira dos Santos, popularly known as João Pedro, has been a formidable force for Al Taawoun in the Saudi Pro League. With 8 goals in 13 matches, the 29-year-old has showcased his clinical finishing and offensive prowess.

His dynamic style of play and goal-scoring ability make him a key player to watch as Al Taawoun seeks to make an impact in the upcoming clash. João Pedro’s contributions on the field have been crucial to the team’s performance, and his presence is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the match.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)

Cristiano Ronaldo has been a transformative figure for Al Nassr since joining the club in January. In just 17 matches, the 39-year-old Portuguese forward has already made a profound impact, netting an impressive 19 goals. Ronaldo’s journey to the Pro League followed a period of uncertainty in his career, marked by a falling out with Manchester United.

However, his resurgence has been nothing short of spectacular, proving that age is no barrier to excellence. Ronaldo’s scoring prowess, combined with his influence on and off the pitch, makes him a standout player to watch. As the top scorer in the competition, his performances will be closely followed as Al Nassr aims for continued success in the Saudi Pro League.

Match facts

Al Taawoun had 68% possession in their last match against Al-Fateh.
Al Nassr held 60% possession in their recent victory over Al-Ittihad.
Al-Taawoun have conceded nine goals in five of their last six games.
Al Nassr scored 11 goals in their last six matches, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading as the top scorer with 19 goals.
Al Nassr have not kept a clean sheet in their last 6 matches.

Team news and Injury

In the lead-up to the match, Al-Nassr’s manager expressed confidence in the team’s fitness, with no reported injuries among the roster. On the other hand, Al Taawoun faces the absence of Rakan Al-Tulayhi, sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury that rules him out for the season.

Al Nassr has injury concerns with Nawaf Al-Boushail, whose return date remains unknown, Khalid Al Ghannam experiencing physical discomfort with an uncertain return date, and Abdullah Madu nursing an injury with an undetermined return timeline.

Head-to-Head

Matches: 5

Al Taawoun: 2

Draw: 0

Al Nassr: 3

Predicted Lineup for Al Taawoun vs Al Nassr

Al Taawoun Predicted Lineup: (4-2-3-1)

Mailson; Al-Abdal-Razzaq, Girotto, Slaluli, Abdulmalik; Medran, El Mahdioui; Flavio, Barrow, Pedro; Mateus

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

Alaqidi; Al Ghanam, Alawjami, Laporte, Telles; Brozovic, Fofana; Talisca, Otavio, Mane; Ronaldo

Match Prediction for Al Taawoun vs Al Nassr

As the excitement builds, predictions are rife with speculation. The analysis suggests that Al-Nassr may control possession and create significant goal-scoring opportunities. In contrast, Al-Taawoun, despite their potential in front of goal, might encounter difficulties breaking down the resilient Al-Nassr defense.

In a bold prediction, the forecast leans towards Al-Nassr securing a 1-3 victory, backed by their recent goal-scoring form and defensive capabilities.

Prediction: Al-Taawoun 1-3 Al-Nassr

Telecast

India – Sony Network, SonyLIV

UK– DAZN, Sky Sports

US – FOX Sports, ESPN

Nigeria – Sporty TV

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