Al Fayha will host Al-Nassr in round two of the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season on Tuesday, with both sides seeking their first victory of the new campaign.
The hosts suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Al-Taawoun in their season opener, while the visitors were held to a 1-1 draw by Al-Raed.
Match preview
Al-Nassr finished 14 points behind league and cup champions Al-Hilal last season, extending their title drought to five years, having last won the league in 2018-19.
The Knights of Najd also ended the season without a trophy, and their hopes of ending this barren run took a hit in the Saudi Super Cup final, where they were defeated 4-1 by Al-Hilal on August 17.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored in the Super Cup but left the field in frustration after the match, was Al-Nassr's shining light in their league opener against Al-Raed, putting his side ahead.
However, Luis Castro's side failed to hold onto the lead, as they conceded a penalty that was converted by Al-Raed's Mohamed Fouzair four minutes into the second half.
Al-Nassr will be eager to bounce back with a victory against Al-Fayha, having dominated their encounters, winning 12 of the 17 matches between the two sides, including the last four.
Al Fayha's season started with a heartbreak, after conceding a 95th-minute goal in the defeat to Al-Taawoun despite playing with a man advantage after since the 81st minute.
The club's aim will be to build on their ninth-place finish from last season and challenge for a higher position in the league, having taken a leap from the 2022-23 season when they finished in 11th place with 33 points.
Christos Kontis, who replaced Vuk Rasovic as manager at the start of this campaign, will be tasked with improving the team's performance and securing consistent results.
Al Fayha's home record last season was respectable, with four wins, seven draws, and six losses, and they will be hoping to extend their four-match unbeaten streak at home and cause an upset against the formidable Al-Nassr.
Team News
Al Fayha will enter this match without Nigerian winger Henry Onyekuru, and experienced midfielder Mohammed Abusabaan, who are both out with injuries.
Fashion Sakala, who scored 19 goals in 31 league appearances last season after joining from Scottish side Rangers, is expected to keep his place in the attack on Tuesday.
Al-Nassr have no major injury or suspension concerns ahead of this match, leaving Castro with plenty of options to choose from.
Brazilian forward Talisca, who missed a significant portion of the previous season due to a thigh muscle injury, started the opening league game and is expected to retain his place alongside Ronaldo, Otavio and Sadio Mane as the attacking quartet.
Al Fayha possible starting lineup:
Al-Deqeel; Al Dowaish, Al Khaibari, Al Rashidi, Abdi; Al-Beshe, Kaabi; Harthi, Al Hussain, Al Rammah, Sakala
Al-Nassr possible starting lineup:
Bento; Al Ghanam, Alawjami, Laporte, Telles; Brozovic, Al-Khaibari; Otavio, Talisca, Mane; Ronaldo
We say: Al Fayha 1-2 Al-Nassr
Al-Nassr are aware that there is little room for complacency if they hope to end their title drought, and the opening day draw leaves them with something to prove against Al Fayha, a team they have dominated in previous encounters.
Given their historical dominance in this fixture, we anticipate a victory for the visitors in this match but we expect them to concede.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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