Al Awwal Park is set for another big night under the lights as Al Nassr welcome a confident Al Taawoun side in what promises to be a fascinating Saudi Pro League encounter.
Softfootball reported that Al Nassr come into this game sitting second in the table with 37 points from 16 matches, and on paper, it’s been a strong campaign. Twelve wins, just one draw, three defeats, and an attack that’s fired in 44 goals already. this is a team built to challenge for the title.
But football is never just about numbers. Early in the New Year, the Knights of Najd hit a wobble. After an impressive unbeaten run, they suffered three straight league defeats. first against Al Ahli with3 goals, then Al Qadisiyah, and most notably Al Hilal, a result that exposed some defensive fragility and slowed their momentum.
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Credit where it’s due, though jorge Jesus’ men responded like a top side should. A thrilling 3–2 comeback win over Al Shabab reignited belief, and a disciplined 2–1 victory away at Damac followed. On their official X handle, Al Nassr summed up the mood perfectly ahead of this clash, posting:
United and ready to face Al Taawoun
a clear message that focus has returned to the camp.
At home, Al Nassr have been formidable. Seven wins from eight league matches at Al Awwal Park tells you all you need to know. That said, they haven’t kept a clean sheet in six consecutive games, and against a side as organised as Al Taawoun, that could matter.
Tactically, Jorge Jesus wants his team on the front foot high tempo, width, quick combinations, and constant pressure. When it clicks, it’s devastating. When it doesn’t, the spaces left behind can be exploited.
That’s where Al Taawoun come in.
The visitors have quietly been one of the league’s most impressive sides this season. Fifth in the table with 35 points, just two behind Al Nassr, Pericles Chamusca’s team know they belong at this level. Their away form has been outstanding six wins from eight on the road and they look comfortable soaking up pressure and striking quickly.
Their last outing, a 2–2 draw against Al Hazem, captured their strengths and flaws. Roger Martinez was clinical, scoring twice, but defensive lapses cost them all three points. Still, this is a team that is disciplined, compact, and lethal on the counter exactly the type that can hurt Al Nassr if given space.
Historically, Al Nassr have had the edge, including a commanding 5–0 win in the reverse fixture. Across the last five meetings, Al Nassr have won twice, Al Taawoun once, with two draws but league position suggests this one will be much tighter.
Team News
Al Nassr have received a major boost with Sadio Mané returning after helping his country lift the Africa Cup of Nations. His return adds pace, experience, and directness, and he could go straight back into the starting XI.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to lead the line once again, supported by João Félix. Ronaldo remains the league’s top scorer with 16 goals and will be eager to add to that tally on home soil.
Sami Al-Najei remains doubtful as he continues his recovery from a long-term injury, while Saad Haqawi is also a fitness concern but is unlikely to play a major role.
For Al Taawoun, Flavio is ruled out with a hamstring injury, and Musa Barrow remains a doubt as he continues his recovery. Roger Martinez will spearhead the attack after his recent brace, with Achraf El Mahdioui and Angelo Fulgini expected to control the midfield.
Possible Lineups
Al Nassr (4-4-2):
Krepski; Al-Ghanam, Simakan, Martinez, Al-Nasser; Mané, Angelo Gabriel, Brozovic, Coman; João Félix, Cristiano Ronaldo
Al Taawoun (4-3-3):
Maylson; Alaeli, Sembene, Al-Dossari, Mahzari; Fulgini, El Mahdioui, Hugo; Kuwaykibi, Roger Martinez, Zambrano
Match Prediction
This won’t be straightforward. Al Taawoun have the organisation and confidence to cause problems, especially in transition. But under the lights at Al Awwal Park, with Ronaldo leading the line and Mané back in the fold, Al Nassr should just have enough to edge a tight, high-quality contest and keep their title charge alive.
Where to watch
The Al Taawoun vs Al Nassr match can be watched on different channels and streaming platforms depending on your location.
Internationally, the game is available for live streaming on DAZN in many countries. In the United States, fans can watch via Fubo and on Fox Sports channels such as Fox Soccer Plus, the Fox Sports App, and Foxsports.com.
In Saudi Arabia and the MENA region, SSC (Saudi Sports Company) is the official broadcaster of the Saudi Pro League. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, the match will be shown on ESPN Africa on DStv Channel 218 and StarTimes Channel 248.
