Softfootball understands that Al-Nassr close out their AFC Champions League Two group-stage run on Wednesday with a meeting against Al Zawraa, a game that means different things to each side. For the hosts, it’s about momentum, rhythm, and maybe pride. For the visitors, it’s far more serious than that.
Al-Nassr posted photos of their players training ahead of the game via their official X account.
View the post below:
Al-Nassr have walked through Group D without much fuss. Five matches, five wins, 15 points. Jorge Jesus’ team has scored 17 goals and conceded just one.
Their last game in the competition came in late November, a comfortable 4-0 win over Istiklol.
Domestically, things aren’t slowing down either. A 4-1 league win over Al Khaleej on November 23 kept them top of the Saudi Pro League, with nine wins from nine and no drama.
Al Zawraa don’t have that luxury. They sit second with nine points, three ahead of Istiklol, and while that sounds comfortable, it really isn’t.
A draw gets the job done, but a loss then depends on other results, and no team likes that feeling. Their 2-1 win over Goa last time out helped, but facing Al-Nassr is a different level altogether.
That said, Al-Nassr might rotate, maybe take a foot off the gas. And that’s probably what Al Zawraa are hoping for.
Team News
Cristiano Ronaldo is not expected to be involved once again, having not featured in this competition at all. Sadio Mané is also absent due to his Africa Cup of Nations duties with Senegal. Injuries will keep Sami Al-Najei, Saad Al-Nasser and Abdulmalik Al-Jaber out.
Even with those missing, there’s still plenty there. Joao Félix should start, while Marcelo Brozovic and Wesley are expected to play some part, giving the side balance and control.
Al Zawraa have no new injury concerns. Hasan Abdulkareem, their leading scorer with five goals this season, will be key going forward. Mahdi Al-Humaidan should support him, while Kadhim Raad is likely to start at the back.
Possible Lineups
Al-Nassr:
Bento; Al Ghannam, Simakan, Al Amri, Al Najdi; Angelo, Al Hassan, Brozovic, Wesley; Felix, Maran
Al Zawraa:
Hassan; Kadhim, Jabbar, Hashem, Ismael; Bitang; Abdulkareem, Nabeel, Al Rashdan, Hamaidan; Ibrahim
Softfootball’s Prediction
Al Zawraa could make this uncomfortable for periods, especially if Al-Nassr aren’t fully locked in. But even a slightly off-tempo Al-Nassr side still carries too much quality.
Prediction: Al-Nassr 2-0 Al Zawraa
