Al-Nassr vs Abha – News and Probable Lineups

After experiencing their first loss in the Saudi Pro League season, Al-Nassr will be back at Alawwal Park on Wednesday, determined to reaffirm their title aspirations as they host bottom-placed Abha in Riyadh.

Although Ange Postecoglou’s squad remains in second place in the league, the visitors arrive without a victory from their first five matches and are urgently seeking points to invigorate their chances of staying in the top division.

Match overview

Al-Nassr has been one of the standout teams in the Saudi Pro League this season, securing four wins out of their initial five fixtures, which has earned them 12 points, placing them second in the rankings.

However, their impressive start was interrupted in their latest match, where they faced a narrow 1-2 defeat against Al-Ittihad, which broke their four-match winning streak and marked a rare setback in an otherwise promising campaign.

George Ilenikhena scored twice for Al-Ittihad in the opening 25 minutes, netting in the fourth and 22nd minutes. Despite Angelo Gabriel scoring before the break, Al-Nassr could not find the net again in the second half.

Despite that loss, the overall outlook for Postecoglou’s team remains positive, having scored 13 goals and conceded only five across their first five league games, showcasing both the talent and depth present within the squad.

At Alawwal Park, Al-Nassr has maintained an impeccable record with two victories from two matches at home, and Wednesday’s fixture offers them a chance to regain their momentum in front of their fans against the weakest team in the league.

Postecoglou’s philosophy of attacking, possession-based football has been clearly visible in the early stages of the season, and his players have adjusted well to his style.

In stark contrast, Abha has had a dismal beginning to their return to the Saudi Pro League after their promotion from the Saudi First Division, where they secured the title last season after spending two years in the second tier due to relegation in 2023-24.

Damir Buric’s team is seeking their first win, managing only one draw and four losses from their five matches, and with just four goals netted and 11 conceded, it is evident that they face issues at both ends of the pitch.

Last time out, they lost 1-0 at home to Al-Ettifaq, with the only goal resulting from a Donovan Leon own goal in the 80th minute – marking the second consecutive match where Abha has conceded due to their own players, following an Abdou Diallo own goal against Al-Fayha previously.

Buric is under increasing pressure, though the management is likely to exercise patience given that he was instrumental in their top-flight return, and facing Al-Nassr poses the toughest challenge for them to secure a first win of the season.

On the road, Abha has suffered defeats in both of their away matches this season, and the history of encounters between these teams does not provide much reassurance.

Al-Nassr has emerged victorious in six of their last seven meetings, with the only other outcome being a draw, and the Riyadh team has scored at least two goals in all of those matches.

Team News

Kingsley Coman is uncertain for the Wednesday fixture after being substituted due to a hamstring issue in the 60th minute of the loss to Al-Ittihad, and he may face an extended absence if the injury is more severe than initially feared.

Additionally, Al-Nassr will be without Sultan Al-Ghannam for the foreseeable future due to a cruciate ligament injury, but Postecoglou essentially has all his key players available for this match.

Cristiano Ronaldo has found the net twice in four outings this season and is poised to lead the attacking line once again, with Joao Felix expected to support him.

In defense, Abdulelah Al-Amri and Mohamed Simakan are likely to feature at center-back, while Sadio Mane is expected to continue on the wing.

Angelo Gabriel and Samu Costa are forecasted to keep their spots in midfield as Al-Nassr aims to get back to winning ways against a frail opponent.

On the other hand, Abha is without Abdulkarim Darisi, who is out with a medial ligament knee injury – the Al-Hilal loanee is projected to return next month.

Donovan Leon is set to continue between the sticks, supported by Jurien Gaari and Abdulbasit Hindi in defense.

Nabil Fekir and Firas Al-Ghamdi are forecasted to play in midfield, with Alimami Gory anticipated to provide width from the flanks as Abha looks to pull off an unexpected upset.

Al-Nassr probable starting XI:

Al-Aqidi; Boushal, Simakan, Al-Amri, Al-Najdi; Yahya, Angelo Gabriel, Costa, Mane; Ronaldo, Felix

Abha probable starting XI:

Leon; Aljohani, Hindi, Gaari, Al-Zaid; Al-Qahtani, Al-Ghamdi, Al-Fahad, Fekir, Gory; Batshuayi

An under-pressure Al-Nassr team hosting the division’s bottom side sets up a challenging environment for Abha as they seek their first win of the season. Postecoglou’s men possess the attacking strength to exploit a defense that has been breached in every match this season, and the historical record heavily favors the home side.