Al-Nassr v Al-Fayha: Line-ups, stats and preview

Preview for Al-Nassr v Al-Fayha

Al-Nassr will look to bounce back immediately from their midweek cup exit when they host Al-Fayha tomorrow.

Jorge Jesus’ men were beaten 2-1 by Al-Ittihad in the King’s Cup last 16 on Tuesday night, despite playing against 10 men for the majority of the second half.

It was a major blow for Al-Nassr, and Cristiano Ronaldo in particular, as another chance to finally win a major trophy with the Saudi club passed by.

He may have better luck in the Pro League with Al-Nassr having made the perfect start with six wins from six games. The Riyadh club lead the standings with a three-point lead over surprise package Al-Taawoun.

Jesus had to defend talisman Ronaldo from criticism after the Al-Ittihad game with the Portugal striker missing an excellent chance to equalise.

He said: “Our problem today was not Cristiano, but tiredness and exhaustion. We must not forget that we played against a strong and excellent team, champion of the League and the Cup. The defeat had nothing to do with tactical issues, but with a great match between two teams, each of them looking for victory.”

Ronaldo notched the 950th goal of his remarkable career in last weekend’s 2-0 win at Al-Hazm and will be confident of adding to that tally against an Al-Fayha side that sit in mid-table.

The visitors, coached by Pedro Emanuel, have former Manchester United and England defender Chris Smalling at the heart of their defence.

They lost 2-1 at home to Al-Taawoun last weekend.

Team News for Al-Nassr v Al-Fayha

Ronaldo and free-scoring compatriot Joao Felix are fit and will play.

Marcelo Brozovic, Saad Al Nasser and Nawaz Alaqidi are all out.

Expected line-ups for Al-Nassr v Al-Fayha

Al-Nassr: Bento; Boushal, Simakan, Martinez, Yahya; Angelo, Al Khaibari, Coman, Felix, Mane; Ronaldo

Al-Fayha: Mosquera; Al Baqawi, Smalling, Villanueva, Bamsaud; Enad, Semedo, Benzia, Jason; Ganvoula, Sakala

How to watch Al-Nassr v Al-Fayha

Al-Nassr versus Al-Fayha kicks off at 5.30pm UK time tomorrow. You can watch it via the Saudi Pro League YouTube channel or stream on DAZN.

Stats for Al-Nassr v Al-Fayha

• Al-Nassr have won each of the last six meetings between the two sides
• Felix is leading the Golden Boot standings with nine goals in six games

Prediction for Al-Nassr v Al-Fayha

Good sides don’t lose two in a row. And with Ronaldo determined to make up for his midweek disappointment, the hosts should be a formidable force.

Prediction: Al-Nassr 3-0 Al-Fayha