Preview: Al-Nassr vs Al Najma - prediction, team news, lineups

In a clear mismatch between the top and bottom sides, Al-Nassr host Al-Najma for Matchday 27 of the Saudi Pro League on Friday evening at Al-Awwal Park.

Nassr, who finished third in the 2024-25 campaign, 13 points behind Al-Ittihad, are now strong contenders for the title, currently sitting top of the table, three points clear of Al-Hilal.

Match preview

The first match after an international break can often prove tricky, but Al-Nassr could hardly have asked for a more favourable opponent as they look to regain momentum heading into the business end of the season.

Jorge Jesus, a serial winner with Benfica, has transformed Nassr into a formidable force, with the side currently riding a remarkable 14-match winning streak.

The Riyadh-based club have scored 71 goals this season and have been particularly ruthless against lower-ranked opposition.

Al-Nassr also boast an outstanding home record, collecting 33 points from 12 matches, complemented by an impressive +25 goal difference.

In the reverse fixture, Nassr cruised to a dominant 5-0 victory away from home, and they will be aiming to produce a similarly commanding performance to extend their winning run.

Al-Najma find themselves firmly rooted at the bottom of the table, and it will take a herculean effort to preserve their top-flight status.

The Star of Unaizah head into this clash on the back of five consecutive league defeats prior to the international break, having managed just one win all season.

With only eight points from 26 matches and 61 goals conceded, it is evident that they have struggled to cope with the demands of the league and could be facing another heavy defeat against the leaders.

Defensive frailties remain their biggest concern, with Al-Najma failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 10 matches and conceding 19 goals across their previous five outings.

Their away record is the worst in the division, having collected just two points on the road all season - a key reason behind their current predicament.

Al-Nassr Saudi Pro League form:

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Al-Nassr form (all competitions):

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Al Najma Saudi Pro League form:

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Al Najma form (all competitions):

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Team News

The biggest talking point ahead of this clash is the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to full training at a crucial stage of the season.

The former Real Madrid superstar has already shown sharpness, scoring a superb backheel in training this week, easing concerns over his fitness following his recent injury layoff.

While Ronaldo’s presence provides a significant boost, Al-Nassr are dealing with an injury crisis, with several key players likely to be unavailable.

Mohamed Simakan and Kingsley Coman have not featured in training this week, while Inigo Martinez and Joao Felix are also expected to miss out due to injury and suspension respectively.

The visitors, meanwhile, have no major fitness concerns, with Mohammed Al-Kunaydiri the only absentee as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury.

Brazilian forward Lazaro has netted six goals this season for Al-Najma, and they will rely on him to provide moments of inspiration.

Al-Nassr possible starting lineup:

Bento; Boushal, Al Sharari, Al Amri, Saad Al Nasser; Brozovic, Gabriel; Angelo, Mane, Al-Hamdan; Ronaldo

Al Najma possible starting lineup:

Braga; Dawran, Al Hawsawi, Al Harabi, Samir, Al Subai; Boutobba, Emad, Guga, Lazaro; Cardoso

We say: Al-Nassr 3-0 Al Najma

Despite being without several key players, Al-Nassr still possess more than enough quality to comfortably dispatch the bottom-placed side and complete a league double over them.

Any hopes of a giant-killing can be firmly dismissed, as the gulf in quality appears far too wide for Al-Najma to bridge in as they look to avoid relegation.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.