JuicyTalk
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Venue
- King Saud University Stadium
Preview for Al-Nassr v Abha
Al-Nassr will look to bounce back from their first Saudi Pro League defeat of the season when they welcome bottom side Abha to Alawwal Park on Wednesday.
Ange Postecoglou’s side remain second in the table despite losing to Al-Ittihad last time out, while Abha are still searching for their first win after four defeats and a draw from their opening five matches.
Al-Nassr have made a strong start to the Saudi Pro League season, winning four of their opening five matches to collect 12 points and move into second place.
Their perfect record was ended on their most recent outing, though, as they suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Al-Ittihad.
Al-Nassr have been perfect at Alawwal Park so far this season, winning both of their home fixtures.
Wednesday’s meeting with Abha therefore gives them a good opportunity to return to winning ways and maintain their challenge near the top of the table.
The Pro League Table
Saudi Professional League
- Position 1, 2, 3, 4 : Promotion – AFC Champions League (League phase)
- Position 5 : Promotion – AFC Champions League (Qualification)
- Position 6 : Promotion – AFC Champions League 2
- Position 7 : Promotion – Gulf Club Champions League
- Position 16, 17, 18 : Relegation – Division 1
Team News for Al-Nassr v Abha
Kingsley Coman is a doubt for Al-Nassr after being forced off with a hamstring injury during the defeat to Al-Ittihad.
The winger was withdrawn after 60 minutes and could face a spell on the sidelines depending on the severity of the problem.
Sultan Al-Ghannam is also unavailable after suffering a cruciate ligament injury, but Postecoglou otherwise has most of his key players available.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to lead the attack once again after scoring twice in four league appearances this season, with Joao Felix likely to continue alongside him.
Abha will be without Abdulkarim Darisi, who is recovering from a medial ligament knee injury and is not expected back until next month.
Expected line-ups for Al-Nassr v Abha
Al-Nassr: Al-Aqidi; Boushal, Simakan, Al-Amri, Al-Najdi; Yahya, Angelo Gabriel, Costa, Mane; Ronaldo, Felix
Abha: Leon; Aljohani, Hindi, Gaari, Al-Zaid; Al-Qahtani, Al-Ghamdi, Al-Fahad, Fekir, Gory; Batshuayi
ℹ️ Official lineups are not available yet. They are usually announced 20–40 minutes before kickoff, depending on the competition.
Recent Form & Stats for Al-Nassr v Abha
- Al-Nassr have won four of their five Saudi Pro League matches this season.
- Al-Nassr have scored 13 goals and conceded five in their opening five league games.
- Al-Nassr have won both of their home matches this season.
- Abha have won none of their opening five league matches, losing four and drawing one.
- Abha have scored only four goals and conceded 11 this season.
- Al-Nassr have won six of their last seven meetings with Abha and scored at least twice in all seven games.
Where to Watch Al-Nassr v Abha: TV and online streams
Al-Nassr v Abha will not be available to watch in the UK.
The match takes place at Alawwal Park on Wednesday, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 BST.
Prediction for Al-Nassr v Abha
Al-Nassr should be keen to respond after suffering their first defeat of the season, and a home fixture against an Abha side still searching for their first win represents a favourable opportunity.
Postecoglou’s side have considerably more attacking quality and have already shown what they can do at Alawwal Park this season.
