The Saudi Pro League is back on Friday following a lengthy international break. Al-Nassr will take top spot if they can beat local rivals Al-Diriyah at Alawwal Park.

Ronaldo’s early return dominates the buildup for Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible football journey took another twist last week, with the veteran forward pulling out of the Portugal squad after he was not selected in back-to-back games. That has led to speculation that this may be the end of his international career, but the 41-year-old should still start for his club.

João Félix was heavily involved for Portugal, meaning he could be rested on his return to club duty. That could create an opportunity for Abdullah Al-Hamdan to partner Ronaldo in attack.

Sultan Al-Ghannam is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, but Kingsley Coman is fit again and should feature on the right flank. The ex-Bayern Munich man is yet to score in five Pro League outings this term.

Al-Nassr predicted lineup vs Al-Diriyah (4-4-2): Al-Aqidi; Boushal, Simakan, Martínez, Al-Nasser; Coman, Samú, Al-Khaibari, Mané; Ronaldo, Al-Hamdan.

Al-Diriyah’s core starting to take shape after busy summer

There are no significant selection issues for Al-Diriyah, which will boost their chances of competing against the reigning champions. However, they do have a number of internationals who return to Riyadh following busy periods with their countries.

Nikola Vasilj, Berat Djimsiti, Chancel Mbemba, Idrissa Gueye, Adil Boulbina and Darwin Núñez could all start despite their recent national team commitments. Núñez should lead the line once more. He has netted three goals in five Pro League appearances so far this term.

Núñez arrived from Al-Hilal this summer, and Enzo Millot is also a new signing. Millot has established himself in Bruno Lage’s strongest lineup. The visiting coach is not expected to make major changes, despite his team only drawing 0-0 at home to Abha Club last time out.

Al-Diriyah predicted lineup vs Al-Nassr (4-2-3-1): Vasilj; Al-Faraj, Mbemba, Djimsiti, Al-Sibyani; Al-Malki, Gueye; Diandy, Millot, Boulbina; Núñez.

Al-Nassr vs Al-Diriyah Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Al-Diriyah +2 Handicap
  • Odds: 1.3 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Al-Nassr 2-1 Al-Diriyah
  • 22Bet Booking Code: BZ1Y9

Key stats:

  • Al-Nassr haven’t won any of their previous six competitive games by more than a single goal.
  • It’s just one clean sheet in eight matches for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
  • Al-Diriyah have lost only two of their seven league encounters.

As a newly promoted club, Al-Diriyah have adjusted quickly to the demands of top-flight action. They have a strong spine, with Senegal’s Idrissa Gueye settling into the midfield. His arrival has helped Lage’s men protect a defence that has conceded just five times, which is the joint-best record in the division.

Those ingredients will help the visitors compete, and backing Al-Diriyah +2 handicap is a safe pick at odds of 1.3. Al-Nassr have not produced their best football yet this term, and have only won one of their previous four matches across all competitions.

Al-Nassr vs Al-Diriyah Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Al-Nassr to win & Both Teams To Score
  • Odds: 2.54 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: LNBY9

Postecoglou favours a high-risk approach, and that has contributed to both teams scoring in five of the past six Al-Nassr games. Backing his team to win this match despite conceding offers value at odds of 2.54.

While there have been a few unconvincing displays, the hosts still boast a 71% win rate in the league this term. Their past three victories have all come via 2-1 or 3-2 scorelines.

Verdict: Al-Diriyah +2 Handicap (1.3) — Al-Nassr 2-1 Al-Diriyah