Al-Wehda and Al-Nassr will meet this Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 1 PM (Brasília time) for the 22nd round of the Saudi Pro League at the King Abdul Aziz Sports City Stadium, located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
The match not only holds great significance for the competition but also showcases two teams at opposite ends of the league's spectrum. Al-Wehda, currently sitting at the bottom of the table with only 13 points from 21 matches, is grappling with relegation fears, having not won any of their last seven matches, including six losses.
On the other hand, Al-Nassr finds itself in fourth place with 44 points, desperately trying to break backInto the top three and secure qualification for next season's AFC Champions League. Although they had been enjoying five consecutive victories, their streak came to an abrupt halt last round with a surprising 3-2 defeat to Al Ettifaq at home, which saw them slip from the coveted Champions League spots.
"Al-Wehda is desperate to register points to try and escape relegation this season," highlighted local reports, underlining the pressure mounting on the home team.
Head coach Daniel Carreño of Al-Wehda is likely to field players like Ighalo, who returns to strengthen the attacking front. The probable lineup could include Al-Owisher; Al-Salem, Yamiq, Al-Hafith, and Al Muwallad; Bacuna and Cretu; Goodwin, Naji, Amyn; and Ighalo.
Al-Nassr, led by coach Stefano Pioli, will rely heavily on their standout player, Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 24 goals this season, including 16 goals within the league, making him the top scorer for the team. The absence of Jhon Durán due to suspension adds to the challenges the squad must navigate. Their expected lineup features Bento; Boushal, Al-Fatil, Laporte, and Mohammed; Yahya, Brozovic, and Al-Hassan; Mané, Ghareeb, and Ronaldo.
Unsurprisingly, Al-Nassr enters the match as the strong favorites, reflecting on their historical performance against Al-Wehda, having won 19 out of 29 previous encounters. The last time they clashed, Al-Nassr triumphed 2-0 with goals from Ângelo Gabriel and Ronaldo.
Analysts predict the upcoming battle may offer more than 2.5 goals based on both teams' scoring statistics; Al-Wehda's defensive woes continue to see them concede the most goals this season, totaling 51. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr boasts the league's third-best attack, having netted 45 goals.
The match will be broadcast live through BandSports, Bandplay, and the GOAT channel on YouTube, ensuring fans will have access to every thrilling moment.
Overall, not only will the outcome of this match affect the current standings, but it will also reveal the gritty determination of Al-Wehda fighting against relegation, as well as Al-Nassr's ambitions to reclaim their spot among the elite teams of the league.