Al Nassr is set for a pivotal encounter in the Saudi Pro League on December 26, gearing up to clash against reigning champions Al Ittihad in a much-anticipated showdown.
While Al Ittihad teeters on the edge of relinquishing their title this season, Cristiano Ronaldo's squad is laser-focused on closing in on the current league leader, Al Hilal.
Their recent dominant display, sealing a convincing 3-1 victory against Al Ettifaq, has injected Al Nassr with a renewed surge of confidence as they aggressively pursue the coveted 2024 title.
Ronaldo's pivotal 17th goal in the league during that decisive match has served as an added catalyst for the team's unwavering determination.
The highly awaited Saudi Pro League spectacle is set to kick off at Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium on Tuesday, December 26, at 11:00 p.m. (PST) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Anticipation runs high regarding the lineups for this crucial clash. Al Ittihad, fresh from their FIFA Club World Cup loss to Al Ahly, is expected to make rotations. Jota and Abderrazak Hamdallah are likely starters for the hosts.
Will Ronaldo play?
Cristiano Ronaldo was reportedly set to miss the match against Al Ittihad due to Christmas. Speculations suggested that the Al Nassr captain might skip this match to observe the holidays, but Cristiano Ronaldo is actually available for this crucial fixture.
He has already travelled to Jeddah with the Al Nassr team and participated in a training session. The 38-year-old is poised to start the match against Al Ittihad, aiming to make a meaningful contribution to his team's victory against the reigning champions.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 17 goals for Al Nassr in just 16 league matches this season. He leads as the top goal scorer in the Saudi League, with four goals and two assists in his last five club appearances.
He has scored 51 goals for club and country in 2023. The Portuguese is only one goal behind Paris Saint Germain’s Kylian Mbappe and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane — who both have 52 goals each.
Expected starting lineups
Al Ittihad (4-2-3-1): Al-Mayouf (GK) — Al-Shanqeeti, Hegazy, Kadesh, Al Hawsawi — Kante, Fabinho — Jota, Hamdallah, Romarinho — Benzema.
Al Nassr (4-2-3-1): Alaqidi (GK) — Al Ghanam, Laporte, Lajami, Telles — Brozovic, Fofana — Talisca, Otavio, Mane — Ronaldo.
