How Al Nassr can line up without Cristiano Ronaldo against FC Goa in India?

Al Nassr will have a lot of fans supporting them at the Fatorda Stadium as they face FC Goa.

FC Goa’s AFC Champions League Two campaign has not had an ideal start, with two losses in a row. The Gaurs now face their biggest challenge as they welcome Saudi Pro League’s Al Nassr to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on 22nd October (Wednesday).

When the draw was made, this fixture in particular garnered a lot of attention. Al Nassr currently employs Cristiano Ronaldo, one of, if not the best, footballers to ever lace his boots. Hence, this gave millions of football fans in India a chance to see their idol in action in their motherland.

However, deep down, everyone knew that it would be a 50-50 chance to see Cristiano Ronaldo play in India. After all, the logistics and travel time didn’t make sense, especially since this was not an AFC Champions League Elite game.

While there is still no official confirmation, it seems unlikely that the five-time UEFA Champions League winner will be coming to India to face FC Goa. Al Nassr, however, do have quite a few other matchwinners in their ranks. Here’s the best possible line-up that the Saudi club could use against the Gaurs without their talisman – Cristiano Ronaldo.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Bento Krepski

Al Nassr has played all three goalkeepers in their starting XI this season. Bento Krepski started both their AFC Champions League 2 fixtures against Al Zawraa and Istiklol, keeping cleansheets. Hence, the Brazilian should be expected to continue in the continental competition.

Leftback: Nawaf Al-Boushail

The Saudi national team player started both the ACL2 games and has made nine appearances so far this season. Nawaf Al-Boushail played in Al Nassr’s 5-1 win over Al Fateh last weekend, delivering a quality performance to help his side win all three points.

Centreback: Inigo Martinez

The Spaniard joined Al Nassr from FC Barcelona over the summer and has instantly become their defensive mainstay. Inigo Martinez has made 10 appearances so far this season, keeping six clean sheets. Head coach Jorge Jesus could give him a rest against FC Goa, if so, expect Mohamed Simikan to start.

Centreback: Abdulelah Al Amri

While being used as a substitute in the league, Abdulelah Al Amri has started both of Al Nassr AFC Champions League Two games, keeping clean sheets. The Saudi Arabian player is also known to create chances from defense, helping his side take charge.

Rightback: Sultan Al Ghanam

The 31-year-old played both the AFC Champions League Two games and has been a defensive rock for Al Nassr, cutting off the opposition wingers. He also registered an assist in the 5-0 win against FC Istiklol last month.

Right midfield: Abdulrahman Ghareeb

This position will be a toss up between Ghareeb and Ayman Ahmed. The former played the game against Istiklol, scoring 1 goal and providing 2 assists. We can expect Jorge Jesus to start Ghareeb as the player is lacking confidence and the game against FC Goa could be the best chance to bring forth his creativity.

Central midfield: Angelo Gabriel

The Brazilian joined Al Nassr last season and has shown a lot of maturity, aged just 20 years. Angelo Gabriel’s versatility means that he can start anywhere in the midfield or even play as a winger.

Central midfield: Abdullah Alkhaibar

The 29-year-old has played 10 games for Al Nassr this season including a match winning performance against Al Zawraa in the AFC Champions League Two. Abdullah Alkhaibari brings with him a wealth of experience in central midfield and will be vital in controlling the possession for the visitors.

Left midfield: Kingsley Coman

The 29-year-old is one of the most decorated players in world football, having already won 12 league titles in his career. Kingsley Coman has four goals and five assists to his name this season. If he starts, he will torment FC Goa’s backline, running the show on the right side of Al Nassr’s attack.

Second-Striker: Joao Felix

Fresh off a hattrick against Al Fateh, Joao Felix is the most lethal attacker at Al Nassr at the moment. The Portugal national team player has 11 goals in 10 appearances for his club this season. Expect Felix to be amongst the goals once again if he starts against FC Goa.

Striker: Sadio Mane

Sadio Mane is the biggest name at Al Nassr after Cristiano Ronaldo, and he will arrive with a lot of fanfare in Goa. The Senegalese forward has scored four goals and delivered five assists in 9 games this season. If Jorge Jesus decides to give him rest, Haroune Camara might start in Mane’s place on Wednesday.

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