It is third against first in Wednesday's Saudi Pro League action as Al-Nassr host league-leading Al Ittihad at Al-Awwal Park, aiming to revive their fading title hopes in the gameweek 30 contest.
Eight points separate both clubs in the league standings with five games remaining, underscoring the need for Al-Alami to secure maximum points to instil some doubt in the minds of the team atop the table during the final rounds.
Match preview
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Al-Nassr return to action for the first time since losing to Kawasaki Frontale in the Asian Champions League, looking to bounce back from April 30's 3-2 semi-final defeat to the eventual runners-up from Japan.
Facing the leaders of the Saudi Pro League presents significant motivation for Stefano Pioli's men, who enter the midweek clash eight points behind the favourites to clinch this season's league crown.
The stakes of Wednesday's contest cannot be overstated, as Al-Alami's waning title chances could vanish with a defeat, while a draw would maintain the status quo, emphasising the need to secure maximum points.
Although Al-Hilal, who are currently two points clear of Al-Nassr and six points behind the league leaders, would immediately benefit if Cristiano Ronaldo and co. were to end the away side's three-match unbeaten streak, such a scenario would still leave Faris Najd with a slim chance of winning their first top-flight title since 2019.
Having gone unbeaten in three home games, with consecutive victories against Al Kholood (3-1) and Al Riyadh (2-1), the Nassrawis will hope their team can achieve three straight wins in Riyadh for only the second time this season after a run of four victories from November 2024 to February 2025.
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Back in action for the first time since their 3-2 win over Al Ettifaq on April 21, Laurent Blanc's team aim to thwart their hosts from narrowing the gap to five points.
With mixed results in their last five matches, having won three out of five and secured two victories in the last four, the break may have been beneficial for the People's Club, who hope it helps them recharge ahead of the first of five rounds leading to the league's conclusion on May 26.
In addition to the team's variable performance, fans will be particularly wary given their side's ongoing away form, which has seen Blanc's men struggle since mid-February's 4-1 success at Al Wehda.
Since that result, Al Ittihad have failed to earn maximum points in four consecutive away fixtures, recording three score draws against Al Khaleej (1-1), Al Quadisiya (1-1) and Al Ahli (2-2) before falling 2-0 at Al Fateh on April 17.
Failing to secure a win in midweek would see the table-topping side match their unwanted streak from September to December 2023, during which they recorded three draws and two losses in consecutive away matches.
This situation could compel Blanc's team to look over their shoulders, especially if second-placed Al-Hilal secure full points in Wednesday's earlier match against bottom-placed Al Raed, adding another layer of intrigue to Al Ittihad's quest for their 10th top-flight title.
Team News
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Although Pioli's squad reports no significant injuries, Salem Al-Najdi and Jhon Duran will miss the match for Al Nassr due to suspensions from accumulating four yellow cards.
No player in the Saudi Pro League has scored more than Ronaldo's 23 goals heading into Wednesday's match, and the legendary forward will undoubtedly aim to add to his tally.
The significance and quality of Ronaldo's goals are emphasised by his nine game-opening strikes and league-high nine match-clinching efforts, highlighting the hosts' reliance on the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Opposing him is the Portuguese star's former Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzema, who has netted 18 league goals and five match-opening efforts ahead of Wednesday's encounter.
While Blanc's team have no suspended players, Al Ittihad will assess Predrag Rajkovic (muscle injury) and Steven Bergwijn (foot injury) before the match.
Al-Nassr possible starting lineup:
Bento; Al-Ghannam, Simakan, Laporte, Boushal; Brozovic, Al-Hassan; Angelo, Otavio, Mane; Ronaldo
Al Ittihad possible starting lineup:
Al-Mahasneh; Al-Sagour, Al-Mousa, Pereira, Kadesh; Kante, Fabinho; Diaby, Aouar, Hernandez; Benzema
We say: Al-Nassr 2-2 Al Ittihad
Both teams have scored in Al-Nassr's last seven top-flight matches, and Al Ittihad have found the net in all but one of their 14 away fixtures.
While it seems likely both clubs will score on Wednesday, the result could very well end in a draw in Riyadh.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
