Softfootball understands that Al-Nassr shut out their AFC Champions League Two group-stage run on Wednesday with a gathering in opposition to Al Zawraa, a recreation which means various things to every facet. For the hosts, it’s about momentum, rhythm, and perhaps delight. For the guests, it’s much more critical than that.
Al-Nassr posted photographs of their gamers coaching forward of the sport by way of their official X account.
View the put up beneath:
Al-Nassr have walked by way of Group D with out a lot fuss. 5 matches, 5 wins, 15 factors. Jorge Jesus’ group has scored 17 targets and conceded only one.
Their final recreation within the competitors got here in late November, a snug 4-0 win over Istiklol.
Domestically, issues aren’t slowing down both. A 4-1 league win over Al Khaleej on November 23 stored them prime of the Saudi Professional League, with 9 wins from 9 and no drama.
Al Zawraa don’t have that luxurious. They sit second with 9 factors, three forward of Istiklol, and whereas that sounds comfy, it actually isn’t.
A draw will get the job executed, however a loss then is determined by different outcomes, and no group likes that feeling. Their 2-1 win over Goa final outing helped, however dealing with Al-Nassr is a distinct stage altogether.
That stated, Al-Nassr may rotate, perhaps take a foot off the fuel. And that’s in all probability what Al Zawraa are hoping for.
Workforce Information
Cristiano Ronaldo is just not anticipated to be concerned as soon as once more, having not featured on this competitors in any respect. Sadio Mané can also be absent because of his Africa Cup of Nations duties with Senegal. Accidents will preserve Sami Al-Najei, Saad Al-Nasser and Abdulmalik Al-Jaber out.
Even with these lacking, there’s nonetheless loads there. Joao Félix ought to begin, whereas Marcelo Brozovic and Wesley are anticipated to play some half, giving the facet steadiness and management.
Al Zawraa don’t have any new harm considerations. Hasan Abdulkareem, their main scorer with 5 targets this season, shall be key going ahead. Mahdi Al-Humaidan ought to assist him, whereas Kadhim Raad is more likely to begin on the again.
Attainable Lineups
Al-Nassr:
Bento; Al Ghannam, Simakan, Al Amri, Al Najdi; Angelo, Al Hassan, Brozovic, Wesley; Felix, Maran
Al Zawraa:
Hassan; Kadhim, Jabbar, Hashem, Ismael; Bitang; Abdulkareem, Nabeel, Al Rashdan, Hamaidan; Ibrahim
Al Zawraa may make this uncomfortable for durations, particularly if Al-Nassr aren’t absolutely locked in. However even a barely off-tempo Al-Nassr facet nonetheless carries an excessive amount of high quality.
Prediction: Al-Nassr 2-0 Al Zawraa
