| 🟡 AL ETTIFAQ vs AL NASSR 🟡 | |
|---|---|
| Saudi Pro League Cristiano Ronaldo Showdown | |
| Match: | Al Ettifaq vs Al Nassr |
| Tournament: | Saudi Pro League 2025/26 |
| Match Time: | 12:00 PM IST | Dec 31, 2025 |
| Stadium: | Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium, Dammam |
Preview: Al Ettifaq vs Al Nassr
The Saudi Pro League delivers another blockbuster as Al Ettifaq host Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium. This New Year's Eve clash pits Steven Gerrard's tactical discipline against Luis Castro's attacking firepower, with Ronaldo leading the charge for the visitors.
Al Nassr remain title contenders despite a competitive season, largely thanks to Ronaldo's incredible goal-scoring form. The Portuguese legend continues to break records in the SPL, supported by Sadio Mané's pace and Otávio's creativity. Al Ettifaq, under Gerrard, have built a solid defensive structure but struggle to match the attacking potency of the big three (Al Hilal, Al Ahli, Al Nassr).
This matchup promises goals and drama. Ettifaq will look to frustrate Al Nassr's attack through compact defending and quick counters led by Moussa Dembélé and Demarai Gray. Ronaldo will be the focal point, with the home crowd desperate to silence the superstar on New Year's Eve.
Al Ettifaq Possible XI
4-2-3-1: Rodak; Al-Khateeb, Hendry, Fofana, Terki; Medran, Fede Cartabia; Gray, Wijnaldum, Vitinho; Dembélé
Key Players: Moussa Dembélé (target man), Georginio Wijnaldum (midfield experience), Demarai Gray (pace on wing), Jack Hendry (defensive leader), Radoslaw Majecki (shot-stopper)
Form Guide: Solid home record with 3 wins in last 5. Conceded just 4 goals in last 6 home games. Gerrard's organization showing results.
Al Nassr Possible XI
4-2-3-1: Bento; Al-Ghannam, Lajami, Al-Omar, Al-Najdi; Otávio, Brozović; Ghareeb, Ronaldo, Mané; Laporte
Key Players: Cristiano Ronaldo (SPL top scorer), Sadio Mané (explosive winger), Marcelo Brozović (midfield control), Otávio (creative hub), Aymeric Laporte (ball-playing defender)
Form Guide: Unbeaten in 8 games. Ronaldo scoring in 7 of last 10. Most potent attack in league averaging 2.8 goals per game.
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Head-to-Head Record
Al Nassr have won 6 of the last 8 meetings, including a 3-1 victory earlier this season. Ettifaq's last win came in 2023 (2-1 at home). Ronaldo has scored 4 goals in his last 5 games against Ettifaq.
Recent Form:
Al Ettifaq: DWLWW (3 wins in 6 home games)
Al Nassr: WWWWD (8-game unbeaten streak, 15 goals scored)
Injury & Suspension Updates
Al Ettifaq: Madu (suspended), Vipul Yohannan (doubtful). Full squad otherwise available.
Al Nassr: Sultan Al-Ghannam (minor knock), otherwise full strength. Ronaldo passed late fitness test.
Tactical Analysis
Gerrard's 4-2-3-1 will focus on defensive solidity against Al Nassr's attacking trio. Expect compact lines and quick counters through Gray and Dembélé. Nassr will dominate possession with Otávio and Brozović dictating tempo, creating chances for Ronaldo and Mané. The battle between Wijnaldum and Brozović in midfield will be crucial.
Al Nassr average 2.8 goals per game while Ettifaq concede 1.4 at home. Ronaldo's movement will test Ettifaq's aging center-back pairing. Set pieces favor Nassr with Laporte's aerial threat.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Ronaldo vs Hendry: GOAT vs solid defender
- Mané vs Terki: Explosive pace vs young full-back
- Wijnaldum vs Brozović: Experience vs tactical intelligence
- Gray vs Al-Ghannam: Dribbling vs positioning
- Dembélé vs Lajami: Hold-up play vs physical defending
Match Prediction
Al Ettifaq 1-3 Al Nassr
Nassr's attacking quality should overwhelm Ettifaq's defense. Ronaldo to score, Mané assist. Gerrard's side competitive but lacking firepower up top. Expect a comfortable away win.
Ronaldo Watch
CR7 has 22 goals in 18 SPL games this season. Scored in 7 of his last 10 away games. Perfect record vs Ettifaq (4 goals in 5). Brace expected on New Year's Eve!
Betting Insights
Al Nassr -1.5 Asian Handicap likely. Over 2.5 goals probable. Ronaldo anytime scorer favorite. Both teams to score possible but Nassr clean sheet more likely.
Don't Miss
The electric atmosphere at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium as Dammam tries to silence Ronaldo. Watch for Mané's counter-attacks and Otávio's through balls. Gerrard's tactical tweaks could make this competitive early before Nassr's quality shines through.
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