Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr

Al Nassr vs Al Fateh Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips

Arnav Kholkar

Al Nassr vs Al Fateh Match Preview

Second placed Al Nassr will host seventh placed Al Fateh at the Al-Awwal Stadium in the Saudi Pro League (SPL) on Saturday, February 17.

The hosts enter this game on the back of a good run of form. They have lost just twice in their last 10 games across competitions, winning six games and drawing two. However, both those defeats came against Al Hilal as Al Nassr conceded five without reply. Luis Castro’s men have been in fine form in the SPL though, having scored 16 goals in their last five league games. They will look to pick up where they left off against their next opponents.

Visitors Al Fateh, on the other hand, could not have had a more contrasting form guide over the last 10 games. They have secured just one win, falling to five defeats and playing out four draws. That win came against Al-Taawoun back in December as Al Fateh are winless in nearly two months. Additionally, they have scored just four goals in their last five games in the SPL and will look to rectify that against one of the best sides.

On that note, let’s take a look at the teams news from both camps.

Team News & Predicted Lineups

Al Nassr

David Ospina, Al Nassr
Ospina warming up ahead of a game for Al Nassr. (Credit: Getty)

Manager Castro will have a clean slate in terms of injuries and suspensions as he looks to make a smooth resumption to the club’s league season.

However, they have one doubt with starting custodian David Ospina. The Columbian had a thigh muscle issue and missed their friendly against Al Hilal. However, he will face a late fitness test for the next game.

Apart from that, the manager will likely stick with the XI that played the last game. Sadio Mane will make his way into the XI in place of Abdulrahman Ghareeb as Al Nassr will go full-strength.

Predicted XI: David Ospina (GK), Nawaf Boushal, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Aymeric Laporte, Alex Telles, Abdullah Alkhaibari, Marcelo Brozovic, Anderson Talisca, Otavio, Sadio Mane, Cristiano Ronaldo (C).

Al Fateh

Manager Slaven Bilic, too, will have a clean slate in terms of injuries and suspensions ahead of this key fixture. However, two of his players face the risk of suspension.

Mohammed Al-Fuhaid and Saeed Al-Basisi have both picked up four yellow cards already in the SPL this season. Should they pick up one more, they will be suspended for one game.

The manager will go with his full-strength side that he last fielded in their league games in December, ahead of the mid-season break.

Predicted XI: Mustafa Malaika (GK), Saeed Baattia, Qasim Al-Oujami, Marwane Saadane, Salem Alnajdi, Mohammed Al-Fuhaid (C), Ali Mukhtar, Sofiane Bendebka, Mourad Batna, Saad Al-Shurafa, Ali Al Masoud.

ALSO READ: Sepahan vs Al Hilal Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips.

Al Nassr vs Al Fateh Head-to-Head & Prediction

Last 5 Games Head-to-Head

  • Al Fateh 0-5 Al Nassr (08/23)
  • Al Nassr 3-0 Al Fateh (05/23)
  • Al Fateh 2-2 Al Nassr (02/23)
  • Al Nassr 2-1 Al Fateh (06/22)
  • Al Fateh 0-1 Al Nassr (01/22)

As you can see, Al Nassr have dominated recent meetings between the two sides. They have won four of their last five meetings, with the teams sharing one score draw last year.

Four of the last five games have seen three or more goals in the game, with three games also seeing both teams get on the scoresheet. Al Nassr have hit an impressive 13 goals in five games against Al Fateh, who have managed to score just thrice. Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed an impressive hat-trick as well as an assist the last time these two met and will be one to watch yet again.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr
Ronaldo celebrating his hat-trick against Al Fateh last time out. (Credit: Getty)

These trends point towards another similar outcome. The hosts have too much quality for Al Fateh to handle and should walk away with another comfortable win. However, since they are just coming back to action, they could concede a goal due to rustiness.

Prediction: Al Nassr 3-1 Al Fateh.

Betting Tips

  • Al Nassr to Win Both Halves – Yes: 2.28
  • Correct Score – 3-1: 9.40
  • Both Teams to Score – Yes: 1.57

Match Odds

  • Al Nassr Win: 1.22
  • Draw: 6.90
  • Al Fateh Win: 9.60

Al Nassr vs Al Fateh Timings & Telecast

  • Date & Time: Saturday, February 17th at 5 PM (GMT).
  • India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV app & website.
  • UK: DAZN.
  • US: FuboTV.
  • Saudi Arabia: Saudi Sports Company (SSC).

ALSO READ: Al Feiha vs Al Nassr Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips.