Saudi Pro League | Gameweek 30

May 7, 2025 at 7pm UK

King Saud University Stadium

Al-Nassr vs Al Ittihad

Match preview

Returning to action for the first time since their Asian Champions League exit at the hands of Kawasaki Frontale, Al-Nassr will be keen to avenge their 3-2 semi-final defeat to the eventual runners-up from Japan on 30 April.

The clash with the Saudi Pro League leaders will be a huge motivation for Stefano Pioli's men, who go into the midweek game eight points adrift of the title favourites.

The stakes of Wednesday's clash cannot be overstated, as a defeat would see Al-Alami's dwindling title hopes evaporate, while a draw would maintain the status quo and underline the need for maximum points.

Although Al-Hilal, who are currently two points clear of Al-Nassr and six behind the leaders, would immediately benefit if Cristiano Ronaldo and Co were to end the away side's three-match unbeaten run, 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 their last three home games, with back-to-back victories over Al Kholood (3-1) and Al Riyadh (2-1), the Nassrawis will be hoping to make it three wins in a row in Riyadh for only the second time this season, having won four in a row between November 2024 and February 2025.

Back in action for the first time since their 3-2 win over Al Ettifaq on 21 April, Laurent Blanc's side will be looking to prevent their hosts from closing the gap to five points.

With mixed results in their last five matches, winning three out of five and recording two victories in their last four, the break may have come in handy for the People's Club, who will be hoping it will help them recharge their batteries ahead of the first of five rounds of the league campaign that concludes on 26 May.

As well as the team's inconsistent form, their fans will be particularly wary of their side's continued away form, which has seen Blanc's men struggle since their 4-1 win at Al Wehda in mid-February.

Since then, Al Ittihad have failed to pick up maximum points in four consecutive away games, drawing 1-1 with Al Khaleej, 1-1 with Al Quadisiya and 2-2 with Al Ahli before losing 2-0 at Al Fateh on 17 April.

Failure to win in midweek would see the league leaders repeat their unwanted run of three draws and two defeats on the road between September and December 2023.

That could leave Blanc's men looking over their shoulders, especially if second-placed Al-Hilal take all three points from their game against bottom side Al Raed on Wednesday, adding another layer of intrigue to Al Ittihad's quest for a 10th league title.

Recent Performance

Al-Nassr Saudi Pro League form:DWWWLW

Al-Nassr form (all competitions):WWLWWL

Al Ittihad Saudi Pro League form:DWDWLW

Team News

Although Pioli's side have no major injuries to report, Salem Al-Najdi and Jhon Duran will miss the match for Al Nassr due to suspensions following the accumulation of four yellow cards.

No player in the Saudi Pro League has scored more than Ronaldo's 23 goals going into Wednesday's clash, and the legendary forward will undoubtedly be looking to add to his tally.

The importance and quality of Ronaldo's goals is underlined by his nine match-opening strikes and a league-high nine game-winners, underlining the hosts' reliance on the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

The Portuguese star's former Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzema, has 18 league goals and five game-winners to his name ahead of Wednesday's clash.

While Blanc's side have no suspended players, Al Ittihad will be assessing Predrag Rajkovic (muscle injury) and Steven Bergwijn (foot injury) before the game.

Possible starting lineup

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