The Round 18 match of the Saudi Pro League between Al Nassr and Al Taawoun will take place on 26 january at King Saud University Stadium. Al Nassr vs Al Taawoun: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Today the high-profile Al-Nassr side with Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix face a well-drilled and disciplined Al-Taawoun team, who this season have been confidently competing with the leading clubs.
Al-Nassr
After a strong start to the season, Jorge Jesus’s Al-Nassr have unexpectedly slowed down. A run of 10 consecutive wins was followed by three defeats and a draw, and only now are they getting back into their usual rhythm. In recent rounds the squad beat Al-Shabab (3:2) and Damac (2:1), but even those victories were hard-fought. Problems in defence remain: the team have conceded in six matches in a row, and even Cristiano Ronaldo’s position at the top of the scoring charts does not compensate for the instability at the back. Going forward, however, they are still effective, with 44 goals scored – the second-best record in the league.
Al-Taawoun
Al-Taawoun have become a model of efficiency and balance. Without big-name players, Péricles Chamusca’s team pick up points thanks to organisation, discipline and excellent defensive play. There was a slight dip in January with defeats to Al-Ittihad (0:1) and Al-Ahli Saudi (1:2), but before that the visitors had been the best away side in the league, winning five matches in a row on the road. In the last round the side drew 2:2 with Al-Hazem, conceding in the final minutes, but overall they again looked solid and motivated. The team’s leader is forward Roger Martínez, one of the top scorers of the season, with 14 goals to his name.
Al-Nassr vs Al-Taawoun Prediction
Al-Nassr traditionally have the advantage, but Al-Taawoun also know how to compete with them, especially through counter-attacks and set pieces. Given the hosts’ fatigue and the visitors’ good run of form, it will be extremely difficult for them to win by a large margin.
