Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Saudi Pro League match.
The Riyadh derby is set to be the highlight of the upcoming round in the Saudi Arabian league. Both Al-Shabab and Al-Nassr are in decent form since the start of the campaign, so fans can expect an active game laden with chances.
Al-Shabab
Before their slip-up against Damac (0:1), Al-Shabab were on a five-match winning streak. In their most recent home fixture against Al-Raed (2:1), it was Argentine forward Cristian Guanca who delivered the winning goal from Giacomo Bonaventura's assist after the break. Overall, the team have been defensively solid under Vitor Pereira, but they haven't yet faced significant opposition—facing a fellow top-four contender will be a true test.
Al-Nassr
In their last six encounters, Al-Nassr have scored 14 goals—bettered only by Al-Ittihad (17) and Al-Hilal (18), who top the league standings. Early in the season, Cristiano Ronaldo is keeping pace with Aleksandar Mitrović and Karim Benzema, boasting a respectable 5+2; Anderson Talisca (3+0) and Sadio Mané (2+5) also stand out. Before the break against Al-Orouba (3:0), their tactics under Stefano Pioli followed the familiar 4-2-3-1 formation—the former AC Milan manager had found a balance within the lines.
Al-Shabab vs Al-Nassr Prediction
In the previous season, Al-Shabab and Al-Nassr consistently surpassed the goals total (0:4, 2:5, 2:3). This upcoming clash in Riyadh is set to thrill spectators with plenty of action.
