he big question heading into the match is Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability and his place in Postecoglou’s plans.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set for another major Saudi Pro League test as Al-Nassr travels to face Al-Ittihad in a heavyweight clash on Saturday. The defending champion has made a perfect start to the new campaign, while Al-Ittihad enters the meeting unbeaten, creating plenty of intrigue around who will be trusted from the opening whistle.
The fixture brings together two of Saudi Arabia’s biggest clubs at the Alinma Stadium in Jeddah. With Al-Nassr sitting near the top after four wins and Al-Ittihad looking to disrupt that momentum, the latest team news could have a major impact on the contest.
Al-Nassr has won all four of its Saudi Pro League matches this season, scoring 12 goals and conceding only three. Ange Postecoglou’s side opened with a 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh, followed it with a 4-0 win against Al-Riyadh, and then showed its resilience by coming from two goals behind to defeat Al-Ettifaq 3-2.
On the other hand, Al-Ittihad has collected eight points from its opening four games, remaining unbeaten despite dropping points in two matches. The team began with a draw against Al-Kholood, defeated Al-Qadsiah and Al-Hazem, then drew with Al-Fateh.
Jens Wissing’s side has been more impressive defensively than in front of goal. Al-Ittihad has scored only five times, despite creating 16 big chances, and has missed 13 of those opportunities.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing today?
The big question heading into the match is Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability and his place in Postecoglou’s plans. Ronaldo is expected to start for Al-Nassr, with the Portuguese superstar projected to lead the attack alongside Joao Felix.
Ronaldo has already scored twice in the team’s first four league matches. His first goal came as a substitute against Al-Riyadh on August 21, while his second was particularly significant, with his 978th career goal proving decisive in the 2-1 victory over Al-Taawoun on August 28.
His record against Al-Ittihad also makes him a player the hosts will have to watch closely. Ronaldo has scored six goals in his last six appearances against Al-Ittihad, including four in his last three away appearances in the fixture.
Al-Ittihad vs Al-Nassr: Projected lineups
Al-Ittihad projected XI (4-4-2): Rajković; Al-Julaydan, Pereira, Kadesh, Abdi; Aouar, Lopy, Ali, Bergwijn; Al-Sahafi, En-Nesyri.
Al-Nassr projected XI (4-4-2): Al-Aqidi; Alnajdi, Al-Amri, Simakan, Boushal; Mané, Costa, Ângelo, Coman; Félix, Ronaldo.