Al Qadisiyah vs Al Nassr – News and Probable Lineups

Al Qadsiah, currently in fourth place, will aim to hinder the title aspirations of Al Nassr, the leaders of the Saudi Pro League, when they face each other at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium this Sunday evening in one of the most eagerly awaited matches of matchday 31.

The home team enters this match with an unbeaten home record for the season, while Al Nassr arrives in Al Khobar after an impressive 20-match unbeaten streak, with their eyes firmly set on the league trophy.

Match overview

Brendan Rodgers’s squad has showcased remarkable consistency in the Saudi Pro League this season, currently standing fourth with 65 points from 19 victories, eight draws, and three losses – a performance that positions them well to secure a top-four finish for the second year running.

Their attacking prowess has also been noteworthy, having netted 71 goals while conceding only 31. This combination of offensive creativity and defensive strength has rendered Al Qadsiah a tough opponent to overcome this season.

At the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium, Rodgers’s men have proven particularly formidable, going unbeaten across 15 home matches, recording nine victories and six draws – a statistic that should bolster their confidence ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash.

Their last match resulted in a dominant 4-0 win over Al Riyadh, where they secured three goals in the second half, with Julian Quinones and Abdullah Al-Salem each contributing two goals, highlighting the attacking threat that Al Nassr must contend with.

In their past five league outings, Al Qadsiah has achieved two wins, two draws, and one loss, and Rodgers will be eager to ensure this streak favors them as they face the toughest opponents at home this season.

The recent head-to-head statistics between these teams provide encouragement for the hosts, as Al Qadsiah has clinched victory in four out of the last five encounters, including a 2-1 win in their previous meeting this season.

Meanwhile, Al Nassr arrives at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium having lost just three league matches this season, claiming the top position in the standings with 79 points from 26 wins, one draw, and three defeats.

The statistics are impressive, with 81 goals scored – the highest count in the division – and only 21 goals conceded, the least in the league. Their away record of 12 wins, one draw, and two losses illustrates a team that poses a genuine threat, no matter the venue.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix have been pivotal to this offensive strength, contributing a combined total of 41 league goals this season, and both players are arriving in Al Khobar at their best form.

Al Nassr has achieved five straight wins in all competitions, netting 14 goals while conceding just one during this run.

This sharp finishing was evident in their most recent match, where Al Nassr overcame Al Ahli 2-0 at Al Awwal Park, thanks to goals from Ronaldo and Kingsley Coman.

A win on Sunday would bring Al Nassr closer to clinching their first Saudi Pro League title since the 2018-19 season. With the momentum of a 20-match unbeaten streak behind them, Jorge Jesus’s team will be a significant challenge – even against a home side that has been tough to beat at their own stadium.

Team News

Al Qadsiah is entering this match with no injury issues, providing Rodgers with a fully fit squad to choose from for Sunday’s clash aiming for a top-four finish.

Jehad Thakri and Nacho are anticipated to form the central defensive pairing, with Koen Casteels remaining in goal behind them.

Musab Fahd Aljuwayr, Otavio, and Nahitan Nandez are likely to occupy midfield positions, with Quinones and Al-Salem expected to spearhead the attack once again after both scoring twice against Al Riyadh last time out.

Al Nassr will be missing Raghed Najjar, who is out due to a cruciate ligament injury, while Sami Al-Najei remains a doubt, requiring a late assessment on his fitness ahead of Sunday’s match.

Goalkeeper Mubarak Al Buainain continues to be sidelined following a cruciate ligament injury sustained in March.

Ronaldo and Felix are set to maintain their attacking partnership, with Coman and Sadio Mane expected to provide width from the wings.

Marcelo Brozovic and Abdullah Al-Khaibari are likely to anchor the midfield as Al Nassr aim to keep their relentless push towards the title intact.

Al Quadisiya probable starting XI:

Casteels; Alvarez, Nacho, Thakri; Abu Al Shamat; Bonsu Baah, Nandez, Aljuwayr, Otavio; Al Salem, Quinones

Al-Nassr probable starting XI:

Bento; Martinez, Alamri, Simakan, Boushal; Mane, Brozovic, Al-Khaibari, Coman; Ronaldo, Felix

Al Nassr’s relentless form, better squad depth, and desire for the title make them slight favorites, even against a home team that has shown to be tough to defeat at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium throughout the season.