Al Shabab vs. Al Nassr – News and Probable Lineups

Cristiano Ronaldo could be on the verge of securing his first Saudi Pro League title this Thursday, as Al-Nassr takes on Al Shabab at SHG Arena.

Currently at the top of the table with 79 points, the visitors find themselves two points ahead of second-placed Al Hilal, with only three matchweeks left, while the home team sits in 13th place with just 32 points.

Match overview

Al Shabab experienced a heavy defeat, losing 5-1 to Al-Taawoun on Saturday. One of the most troubling aspects of that match was that they initially took a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute, only to find themselves down 4-1 by the 53rd minute.

The hosts are currently nine points clear of the relegation zone, so immediate danger of demotion is unlikely. However, their final tally this season is expected to be significantly below the 60 points they achieved in the 2024-25 season.

Under head coach Noureddine Zekri, the side has only managed one win in their last six matches across all competitions, with four draws and a loss in their last four league outings.

The White Lions managed to score five times in these league games but conceded 10 goals, managing only one clean sheet in their last 11 top-flight appearances.

At home, Al Shabab has recorded two losses in their last four league matches, with just one victory at SHG Arena during this stretch.

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr from Manchester United in January 2023, but the club has finished second in both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, and third in 2024-25.

While the visitors won’t clinch the title this weekend, it is crucial for them to preserve their lead over Al Hilal, as they will host them on May 12 in what is likely to be a pivotal match in the title race.

In the earlier encounter against Al Shabab in January, Al-Alami secured a 3-2 victory, marking their seventh win in 10 clashes with this opponent.

Manager Jorge Jesus endured a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Al Qadsiah on Sunday, marking the first time in 17 top-flight games that the club failed to secure a win.

Al-Nassr scored two or more goals in 12 of those matches and has also managed at least two goals in seven of their last nine away fixtures in the league, during which they gathered three points on eight occasions.

Team News

For Al Shabab, the attack is likely to be led by Yannick Carrasco and Abderrazak Hamdallah, supported by wide players Ali Al-Azaizeh and Josh Brownhill.

Ali Al Asmari and Yacine Adli may serve as a double pivot in front of central defenders Ali Al-Bulayhi and Mohammed Al Shwirekh.

Ronaldo is set to be at the forefront for Al Nassr this Thursday, but for him to make a notable impact, he will need backing from players like Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman, though Mane has a slight injury concern.

In midfield, Marcelo Brozovic is expected to be a part of the starting XI and will likely partner with Abdullah Al-Khaibari.

Centre-back Mohamed Simakan is anticipated to make his 27th league start, tasked with leading the defence alongside partner Abdulelah Al Amri.

Al Shabab probable starting XI:

Grohe; Al-Thani, Al Shwirekh, Al-Bulayhi, Balobaid; Al-Azaizeh, Al Asmari, Adli, Brownhill; Thank God, Carrasco

Al-Nassr probable starting XI:

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

The inconsistent performance of the hosts makes it hard to predict anything but an away win, even though Al Nassr faced defeat in their last match.

Nonetheless, the pressure of the title race leading into the final weeks may create a tense atmosphere, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the visitors faced considerable challenges.