Al Fateh vs Al Nassr – News and Probable Lineups

On Saturday evening, Al Fateh welcomes Al Nassr at the Al Fateh Club Stadium in a match that is set to be an exciting fixture in the Saudi Pro League.

The home team is looking to distance themselves from the mid-table troubles, whereas Al Nassr aims to challenge the leaders Al Hilal at the top of the standings.

Match overview

Currently, Al Fateh sits in 10th place in the Saudi Pro League, collecting 24 points over 20 games this season.

With their record reading six wins, six draws, and eight losses, they have scored 26 goals while conceding 35.

However, their recent form has raised concerns, as Jose Gomes’s team has not secured a victory in their last six league matches, with four draws and two losses within that stretch.

Their most recent game ended in a 1-1 draw against Al Qadsiah, where they took an early lead but could not secure the full three points.

Their home results have mirrored this inconsistency, achieving four wins, two draws, and four losses at the Al Fateh Club Stadium.

Defensive issues persist, and they will need more cohesion at the back to effectively deal with one of the league’s most dangerous attacks.

Conversely, Al Nassr is in excellent form this season, sitting in second place with 49 points from 20 matches, having achieved 16 wins, a single draw, and only three losses.

Their offensive output has been notable, with 51 goals scored and just 18 conceded.

Jorge Jesus’s squad enters this match trailing leaders Al Hilal by a single point, making the title race highly competitive.

Moreover, they are in fine form, having won their last seven matches across all competitions, the latest being a 1-0 victory against FK Arkadag in the AFC competition.

Al Nassr’s record on the road is similarly impressive, with seven wins, one draw, and two losses this season.

In the earlier encounter this season, Al Nassr triumphed with a 5-1 scoreline, winning four of their last five meetings in all competitions, while Al Fateh has managed just one win in that span.

Considering the current form of both teams, the visiting side sees this match as another chance to keep the pressure on the leaders.

Team News

Al Fateh will be missing Mourad Batna due to an injury, with him being the only confirmed absentee for the hosts.

Jorge Fernandes and Marwane Saadane are expected to remain in central defense, with Zaydou Youssouf and Sofiane Bendebka likely holding down the midfield.

Matias Vargas and Fahad Al-Zubaidi are anticipated to lead the attack as Gomes seeks more effectiveness in the final third.

For Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo may again be absent, as he continues to be sidelined after having recently gone on strike due to several issues.

The experienced forward has not played since scoring in the 3-0 win over Al Kholood at the end of January and missed the recent victories against Al Riyadh, Al Ittihad, and Arkadag.

Saad Haqawi could make his return for the first time since December; however, this match might come too soon for him, and Sami Al-Najei is also questionable.

Angelo Gabriel and Joao Felix are likely to feature in advanced positions, with Marcelo Brozovic and Abdullah Al-Khaibari expected to dominate the midfield.

Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman should cover the flanks, while Mohamed Simakan and Inigo Martinez are set to partner in central defense.

Al Fateh probable starting XI:

Pacheco; Aljari, Fernandes, Sadane, Al Swealm; Youssuf, Bendbka; Battleh, Vargas, Delgado; Al-Zubed

Al-Nassr probable starting XI:

Bento; Alamri, Martinez, Sima, Al Ganam; Mane, Al-Khabari, Brozovic, Coman; Angelo Gabriel, Felix

Al Fateh’s inconsistencies, particularly in defense, make this task difficult against one of the league’s most effective sides.

With momentum, firepower, and motivation for the title, Al Nassr seems well-equipped to secure another vital three points.