Al-Nassr vs. Al Ettifaq: SPL Match Preview, Odds & Prediction

In Friday night's round 21 Saudi Pro League match, Al-Nassr will host Al Ettifaq in an effort to keep their perfect record intact. With 44 points after 20 matches, the Knights of Najd are in third position in the rankings, riding a five-game winning run in the premier tier.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

Coming into Friday's match, Al-Nassr is riding high. They have not lost a point in the league since their 1-1 draw with Al-Taawoun on January 17.

Since then, Stefano Pioli's squad has gone seven games without a loss in the top division, beating Al Khaleej, Al Fateh, Al Raed, and Al Fayha. Their most recent triumph was a thrilling 3-2 victory away to Al-Ahli.

Because of this outcome, Al-Nassr is now four points behind Al-Hilal in the second position, tied with Al Quadisiya in fourth place, and eight points behind leader Al-Ittihad.

The Big Yellow's offensive power has been the driving force behind their remarkable run. In their previous seven league games, they have scored 18 goals, raising their total to 43. This makes them the third-most productive side in the division.

Their last meeting against Iranian side Persepolis in the AFC Champions League ended a six-match winning run across all competitions. The Riyadh-based outfit's firepower was stymied, and the match ended in a stalemate.

With their undefeated record in the league intact, Al-Nassr will be looking to extend their winning streak against Friday's visitors. They have won both of their previous encounters, including a 3-0 thrashing in the September matchup.

Last Saturday, Al Ettifaq lost 2-1 at home to Al Fateh, which is in last place in the league. This was their first league loss since Steven Gerrard's departure.

Even with the loss, the team is still doing well under new manager Saad Al-Shehri, who won his first two Premier League matches. They now sit in 10th place with 25 points, 11 points above the relegation zone.

Although Al Ettifaq's home record is worrisome (six points from ten games, the poorest in the league), their away record is substantially better (nineteen points from thirty games, fifth best) than their home form.

To avoid losing at Al-Nassr for the first time since their 1-0 victory at Al-Awwal Park in October 2021, the visitors will be relying on their strong away record.

In their last match, Al Ettifaq and Al Quadisiya played to a 1-1 tie in the AGCFF Gulf Club Champions League. Since assuming control, Al-Shehri has a record of two victories, one draw, and two defeats.

Al-Nassr x Al Ettifaq Team News

It is anticipated that Mohammed Al-Fatil will fill in at center defense for the suspended Mohamed Simakan, who was sent off in the last match for RB Leipzig.

Otavio, a Portuguese midfielder, was injured and substituted off after 22 minutes of the encounter against Al-Ahli, making him unavailable for the remainder of the contest.

Updated roster John Duran, who has scored twice in the league so far, and charismatic captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who is currently leading the Golden Boot race with sixteen goals, will likely start up front. Ronaldo will be hoping to get back on the scoresheet after a scoreless performance in the last top-flight match.

However, Al Ettifaq is missing a few important players. Karl Toko Ekambi might start up front for Al Ettifaq again if Moussa Dembele, a former Celtic striker, is ruled out with an Achilles injury he suffered against Al Kholood.

In addition to Marwan Al Haidari, who hasn't played since September, defender Jack Hendry is questionable because he'll miss four consecutive league games due to a muscle injury.

Our Predictions

Al Nassr Club to score in both halves @ 1.86 on Sky247.ng

Due to their previous domination in this match and their present form, Al-Nassr enters this fight as an obvious favorite.

The visitors' defensive resiliency should be able to withstand the hosts' offensive power for the win despite Al Ettifaq's impressive road record of only one loss in ten top-flight matches.

Elevate your betting experience with SKY247 Nigeria. Join now and discover a thrilling world of sports, live events, and exclusive bonuses. Bet with confidence on your favorite teams and games.