⁠Al Shabab vs Al Nassr Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds

The Knight of Najd are looking unstoppable under Stefano Pioli.

Matchday 7 action of the Saudi Pro League will see Al Shabab welcome Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr at the Al Shabab FC Stadium on Friday. 

Al Shabab have made an encouraging start to the new season collecting 12 points from the opening six matches. The team have emerged into a well-drilled side under Vitor Pereira’s guidance who has done a remarkable job thus far. His team boasted one of the best defensive records in the division along with their counterparts on Friday. However, the only thing they have to improve is their goal-scoring prowess after managing to score just five goals from six matches.

Al Nassr on the other hand are starting to find their feet under Stefano Pioli registering five consecutive wins on a trot. The former AC Milan manager has brought out the best of everyone thus far under his leadership. It will be interesting to see whether he can help the team mount the title challenge this term after missing out on the last two occasions with close margins. The last five matches have seen them keep three clean sheets, score 12, and concede just two goals.

Kick-Off:

Friday, 18 October 2024 at 7:00 PM UK, 11:30 PM IST

Location: Al Shabab FC Stadium

Form:

Al Shabab (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-L

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

Players to Watch

Yannick Carrasco (Al Shabab)

Yannick Carrasco has been a reliable player for the home team ever since signing for them from Atletico Madrid. The Belgium international had an outstanding debut campaign last term scoring 11 goals from 27 matches. He also registered eight assists to lead the team in terms of overall goal contributions. This season, he has scored just once from the five matches but we expect him to be scoring goals in the coming matches. 

Sadio Mane (⁠Al Nassr)

While all the limelight has been on Cristiano Ronaldo this season, it is Sadio Mane who has surprised everyone with his performances this season. The Senegal international is finally starting to showcase his potential in the team scoring two goals and assisting another five to start the new season in good form. Sadio Mane has scored or assisted in each of the last seven matches for club and country showing his recent good run of form. 

Match Facts

• Al Shabab suffered a narrow 1-0 loss against Damac FC in the last league game
• Al Nassr have won five consecutive games in a row
• Al Nassr are unbeaten in the last seven games against Al Shabab

⁠Al Shabab vs Al Nassr: Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: Cristiano Ronaldo to score the first goal– 12/5 with bet365
• Tip 2: Al Nassr to win this game – 1/2 with William HILL
• Tip 3: Yannick Carrasco to score anytime– 4/1 with sky bet

Injury & Team News

Al Shabab have two injury concerns in their squad. Forward Abderrazak Hamdallah remains a doubt for participation here due to a knock while Fahad Al-Muwallad is ruled out due to an unknown injury.

Meanwhile, Al Nassr have almost a fully fit squad to choose from except for Sami Al-Najei who is out with a knee injury. Stefano Pioli is likely going to stick to the same eleven that thrashed Al Orobah in the last game. But it remains to be seen whether Cristiano Ronaldo starts or comes from the bench after playing consecutive games for Portugal. 

Head to Head

Total Matches – 22

⁠Al Shabab – 5

Al Nassr – 12

Draws – 5

Predicted Lineup

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

Kim (GK); Al Sharari, Hoedt, Renan; Al-Thani, Kanabah, Guanca, Al-Sabiyani; Bonaventura, Al-Juwayr; Carrasco

⁠Al Nassr predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Krepski (GK); Al Ghanam, Simakan, Laporte, Al-Boushail; Alkhaibari, Brozovic; Talisca, Otavio, Mane; Ronaldo

Match Prediction for ⁠Al Shabab vs Al Nassr

Both teams have started the new season in brilliant form. While these two teams have the best defensive record this season, the home team have failed to score goals consistently which is a major concern for them. In contrast, Al Nassr are scoring goals for fun and we expect Stefano Pioli’s side to win the three points here. 

Prediction: ⁠Al Shabab 1-2 Al Nassr

Telecast for Al Shabab vs Al Nassr

India – Sony LIV, Sony Sports Network

UK – DAZN UK

US –  fuboTV, FOX Deportes

Nigeria – StarTimes App, Sporty TV

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