Al-Nassr v Al-Shabab: Line-ups, stats and preview as Ronaldo and Co attempt to pull out of slump

Match Preview for Al-Nassr v Al-Shabab

Al-Nassr’s title hopes took another major hit on Monday with a 3-1 defeat to Pro League leaders Al-Hilal.

It was the fourth game in a row without a victory for Jorge Jesus’ men, form in stark contrast to their early-season run that saw them win their opening 10 league games.

Al-Nassr seemed to be back on track when Cristiano Ronaldo put them ahead three minutes before half-time but Salem Al Dawsari’s penalty and further efforts from Mohamed Kanno and Ruben Neves, again from the spot, meant more misery for the visitors.

Al-Nassr are now seven points behind leaders Al-Hilal. Not an insurmountable deficit to overcome were it not for the fact Simone Inzaghi’s side have won their last 19 games on the trot, including the last 11 in the league.

Jesus was critical of his players after the Al-Hilal setback and called on them to improve their discipline with Nawaf Alaqidi dismissed on the hour mark – Al-Nassr’s second red card in their last three games.

Al-Shabab have also had disciplinary issues in recent games, although they managed to stay on the right side of the officials in their last outing – a 3-2 win over Neom SC, their first league win since September and a result that lifted them out of the relegation zone.

The hero was former Atletico Madrid midfielder Yannick Carrasco, who scored twice.

Team News for Al-Nassr v Al-Shabab

Sadio Mane remains at the Africa Cup of Nations ahead of Senegal’s clash with Morocco in the final on Sunday.

Alaqidi is suspended, as are defender Nawaf Boushal and midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, while Mohamed Simakan is absent due to injury.

Al-Shabab trio Abdullah Matuq, Mohammed Al Shwirekh and Ali Makki are serving bans. Mohammed Harbush is injured but Abderrazak Hamdallah could return.

Former Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill could start in an unfamiliar defensive role.

Predicted line-ups for Al-Nassr v Al-Shabab

Al-Nassr: Al Buaninain; Boushal, Al-Hassan, Martinez, Yahya; Al-Khaibari, Ghareeb, Angelo; Coman, Felix, Ronaldo

Al-Shabab: Grohe; Al-Thani, Brownhill, Hoedt, Balobaid; Adli, Sierro, Hernandez; Carrasco, Al-Hammami, Hamdallah

How to watch Al-Nassr v Al-Shabab: TV and online streams

Al-Nassr versus Al-Shabab kicks-off at 5.30pm UK time tomorrow. It is not available on UK TV but can be streamed via the Pro League YouTube channel.

Stats for Al-Nassr v Al-Shabab

• Al-Nassr have won 13 of the teams’ previous 28 meetings with eight draws
• Al-Nassr have won four of their previous five meetings and drawn the other