Al Tai vs Al-Nassr: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast
Matchday 8 of the Suadi Pro League is set to be underway
In the enchanting realm of football, where passion and rivalry meet on the pitch, an electrifying clash is on the horizon as Al Tai and Al-Nassr prepare to lock horns in the Saudi Pro League. Friday night at the Prince Abdul Aziz bin Musa’ed Stadium promises to be a spectacle as two contrasting tales unfold. Al-Nassr, riding an impressive winning streak, stands as the undisputed juggernaut of Saudi Arabia’s football scene, while Al Tai, struggling to find their footing, yearn to upset the applecart.
Al Tai, once a force to be reckoned with, now finds itself navigating turbulent waters. Their recent form paints a grim picture, with a winless streak extending to three matches across all competitions. Their most recent setback came in the King’s Cup, where they bowed out in the round-of-32 stage, courtesy of a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Al-Faisaly.
On that fateful night, Kresimir Rezic’s men displayed resilience in the first half, heading into the interval on level terms. However, the second period saw the Hail-based side succumb to the brilliance of Paul Arnold Garita and Joy-Lance Mickels, marking an early exit from the competition. This disappointing result reflects their overall struggle in the league, where they’ve managed just one victory in their last six matches, a far cry from the form of title contenders.
Currently languishing in 12th place in the Pro League standings, Al Tai’s seven points from as many matches hardly inspire confidence. With an eight-point deficit separating them from their formidable opponents, they enter this clash as the underdogs, seeking redemption.
Al-Nassr arrives at the Prince Abdul Aziz bin Musa’ed Stadium like a whirlwind of brilliance. Their recent King’s Cup fixture showcased their prowess, as they dismantled Ohod with a resounding 5-1 victory on the road. Spearheaded by the former Bayern Munich star, Sadio Mane, and his comrades, they left no stone unturned.
The scoring spree began with Mane himself, setting the tone for an evening of fireworks. Seko Fofana and Anderson Talisca joined the party, contributing to the mesmerizing goalscoring display. With eight consecutive victories across the Pro League, AFC Champions League, and King’s Cup, Al-Nassr is undoubtedly the team to beat in Saudi Arabia’s top flight.
Kick-Off:
Friday, September 29, 2023, 08:30 PM (IST) at Prince Abdul Aziz bin Musa’ed Stadium, in Saudi Arabia.
Form
Al Tai: L L L W D L
Al-Nassr: L W W W W W
Players to Watch
Marko Dugandžić (Al Tai)
Croatian professional football player Marko Dugandi, 29, plays for ST.He presently has a contract with Al-Tai till June 30, 2025, and makes £3K per week.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)
At the forefront of their offensive arsenal stands none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, the footballing icon. Ronaldo’s brace in the 4-2 triumph over Al Ahli last Friday showcased his unyielding hunger for goals, making him the leading scorer for Al-Nassr this season. His presence on the pitch remains a constant threat, sending shivers down the spines of opposing defenders.
Match facts
- In each of the previous five rounds, Al Nassr scored three or more goals.
- In 4 of the previous 5 head-to-head matches, they scored two goals or more, and two of those contests had over 2.5 goals.
- Al Nassr has scored 14 goals in 4 away games this season, averaging 3.5 goals per game.
Team news and Injury
As the stage is set for this high-stakes encounter, both teams grapple with certain challenges. Al Tai is expected to make some changes to their lineup following a seven-goal thriller against Al-Ettifaq in the Pro League. Playmaker Bernard Mensah, who netted a hat-trick, is a certainty to feature prominently. Alfa Semedo, the engine in midfield, is also set to start, partnering with Tariq Mohammed to orchestrate the team’s plays.
On the flip side, Al-Nassr has their own share of concerns. Center-back Abdullah Madu is nursing a muscle issue and remains doubtful for the match. However, there’s a silver lining as he has returned to first-team training, raising hopes of his availability. Sultan Al Ghanam, a key contributor in the Pro League, is currently sidelined due to a knock sustained earlier in the week, presenting a defensive challenge for the visitors.
Head-to-Head
Matches: 10
Al Tai: 1
Draw: 1
Al-Nassr: 8
Predicted Lineup for Al Tai vs Al-Nassr
Al Tai Predicted Lineup:
Braga; Alnakhkli, Bauer, Al-Sulaiman, Qasim; Mohammed, Semedo, Cordea, Mensah, Misidjan; Dugandzic
Al-Nassr Predicted Lineup:
Alaqidi; Amri, Lajami, Laporte, Telles; Alkhaibari, Brozovic, Talisca, Otavio, Mane; Ronaldo
Match Prediction for Al Tai vs Al-Nassr
As the countdown to kickoff continues, the question lingers: what can we expect on Friday night at the Prince Abdul Aziz bin Musa’ed Stadium? Al Tai, while not in the best form, remains a formidable side with the potential to upset any opponent. However, their recent struggles and Al-Nassr’s scintillating form make them the underdogs in this showdown.
Al-Nassr, with their attacking prowess and an eight-match winning streak, appears to be the in-form outfit in Saudi Arabia’s football landscape. Their recent goal-scoring exploits, including a nine-goal spree in their last two matches, indicate a team brimming with confidence and determination.
Prediction: Al Tai 0-3 Al-Nassr
As the stage is set for this Saudi Pro League showdown, the anticipation among football enthusiasts is palpable. Al Tai and Al-Nassr, two contrasting tales, are poised to create fireworks on the pitch. While Al Tai seeks redemption and resurgence, Al-Nassr marches in as the undisputed kings of Saudi Arabian football.
With lineups taking shape and the battleground prepared, Friday night promises to be a spectacle of skill, determination, and the beautiful game. Only time will tell if Al-Nassr can extend their winning streak or if Al Tai can muster an upset for the ages. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: football fans are in for a captivating night of action.
Telecast
India – Sony Sports Networks
UK– DAZN
US – ESPN
Nigeria – Sporty TV
