Al-Nassr vs Al-Wasl – News and Probable Lineups

Al-Nassr will look to clinch their second win in the AFC Champions League as they face Al-Wasl at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh on Monday.

The home side enters this fixture on a four-match winning streak across all competitions, while Al-Wasl has secured five victories in their last six games.

Match overview

Al-Nassr started their AFC Champions League journey with a lackluster 4-0 loss to Al-Ain, conceding three goals after half-time.

However, they made a strong comeback in their next match, earning a 3-1 win against Neftchi Fergana, which propelled them to eighth in the Elite standings of the AFC Champions League.

Ange Postecoglou’s squad has since recorded four straight wins in all competitions, including three in a row in the Saudi Pro League.

The Riyadh club remains unbeaten in their last five league matches, holding second place in the table with 25 points, just two behind leaders Al-Hilal.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated his 982nd career goal in Friday’s 3-1 triumph over Al-Faisaly, although the goal may ultimately be credited as an own goal.

Al-Wasl has had a disappointing start in the AFC Champions League, suffering losses in both their initial matches against Al-Qadsiah and Al-Ahli.

The Emirati club has now gone six matches in the AFC Champions League without a win, with their last triumph in the tournament being in December 2024 when they overcame Al-Shorta 3-1.

The Emperor, however, has shown impressive form overall, winning five of their last six fixtures while remaining unbeaten in their past three Pro League games.

They currently sit third in the UAE Pro League with 13 points from six games, just one shy of leaders Al-Jazira, and have netted 17 goals, the highest in the division.

The two teams have faced each other in four prior encounters, with Al-Wasl suffering defeat in their last three meetings, including a 4-0 loss in the AFC Champions League Two this April.

Team News

Al-Nassr will again be without Sultan Al-Ghannam, who is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury and is not anticipated to return until January.

Kingsley Coman missed the last match due to a hamstring injury and is uncertain for this fixture, while Mohamed Simakan also faces a possible absence due to a leg issue.

Conversely, Rui Vitoria has a fully fit squad at his disposal, but the Al-Wasl manager might opt for a few changes in the lineup that defeated Kalba.

The forward trio of Serginho, Nicolas Gimenez, and Mehdi Taremi are expected to keep their places, while Rilwan Popoola could potentially come in for Renato Tapia.

Al-Nassr probable starting XI:

Bento; Washl, Al Amri, Martinez, Yahya; Khaibari, Samu; Mane, Felix, Angelo; Ronaldo

Al-Wasl probable starting XI:

Horkas; Hugo, Ivkovic, Bouftiny, Malheiro; Popoola, Puertas; Serginho, Gimenez, Spadacio; Taremi

With both teams showing good form, Al-Nassr will likely feel confident about extending their winning streak to four matches at home against Al-Wasl. The visitors have not achieved a victory in this competition for close to two years, although they are expected to pose a tough challenge for the Saudi team.