A captivating clash awaits in the Saudi Pro League as fourth-placed Al Shabab hosts third-placed Al Nassr FC at the Al-Shabab Club Stadium on 18 October 2024. Both teams enter this encounter riding b forms, with Al Shabab boasting four wins in their last five games (LWWWW) and Al Nassr on an impressive five-match winning streak (WWWWW).
With Al Shabab’s defensive solidity, evidenced by their two clean sheets in the last five games, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s scoring prowess for Al Nassr (five goals this season), this match is poised to be a battle of will and skill. The weather is set to be overcast with mild temperatures, adding to the tense atmosphere.
Betting tips suggest that an Al Shabab victory, with odds at 5.4, could offer substantial returns, especially since they have scored most of their goals between minutes 16-30. Current streaks, top players, and strategic narratives all align to make this a fascinating fixture.
While Al Nassr is the bookmaker’s favorite at 1.57 odds, Al Shabab’s defensive strategy and home advantage make them a formidable underdog. Expect a fierce contest that will greatly influence the league standings.
Al Shabab vs. Al Nassr FC Prediction & Betting tip
Considering recent forms and defensive records, our recommended betting tip is for Al Shabab to win this match. Despite being the underdogs, Al Shabab has shown b defensive performances, and home advantage plays a critical role.
| Al Shabab vs. Al Nassr FC Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Al Shabab to win | 5.4 |
- Strong Defense: Al Shabab has kept two clean sheets in the last five games.
- Home Advantage: Playing at Al-Shabab Club Stadium can give them an extra boost.
- Scoring Pattern: Al Shabab often scores most of their goals between minutes 16-30, which could unsettle Al Nassr early on. Breaking down these factors, a surprise win for Al Shabab could provide substantial returns for bettors.
Al Shabab vs. Al Nassr FC Odds
With both teams showcasing performances this season, the odds for the upcoming clash reflect the intense competition. Al Nassr FC enters the match as the bookmaker’s favorite, backed by their stellar form and Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess. However, Al Shabab’s home advantage cannot be underestimated. Here’s a look at the betting odds:
| Al Shabab vs. Al Nassr FC Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Al Shabab to win | 4.87 |
| Draw | 4.17 |
| Al Nassr FC to win | 1.57 |
Al Shabab’s solid defensive record and home-ground support could provide an upset, making their odds an intriguing option for risk-taking bettors. On the other hand, Al Nassr’s consistency makes them a safer bet.
Al Shabab vs. Al Nassr FC Live Streaming details
Sony Sports 2, 2HD will live telecast Al Shabab vs. Al Nassr at 11:30 PM (IST) while live streaming is available on Sony Sports network.
Al Shabab Team Analysis
Al Shabab Recent Performance LWWWW
Al Shabab has shown impressive form recently, boasting a record of four wins and one loss in their last five matches. Here’s a closer look at their results:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Damac FC | Al Shabab | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Al Shabab | Al-Raed | 2-1 (Win) |
| Al Kholood | Al Shabab | 1-3 (Win) |
| Al Shabab | Al-Taawoun | 1-0 (Win) |
| Al Qadasiya | Al Shabab | 0-1 (Win) |
Al Shabab’s defense has been sturdy, with 2 clean sheets in their last 5 games. On the offensive side, they have maintained an average of 1.40 goals per match. Their ability to score has been complemented by a solid backline, making them tough opponents, especially at home.
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Al Shabab Key Players
- Musab Al-Juwayr: The top scorer for Al Shabab with one goal this season. His creativity and goal-scoring ability make him a pivotal figure in the midfield.
- Cristian Guanca: Known for his vision and passing, Guanca will be key in creating chances for the forwards.
- Seung-Gyu Kim: The reliable goalkeeper who has managed to keep two clean sheets in the last five matches, providing a solid last line of defense.
Expected lineup for Al Shabab: - Goalkeeper: Seung-Gyu Kim
- Defenders: Robert Renan, Nader Al-Sharari, Wesley Hoedt
- Midfielders: Hussain Al-Sabiyani, Cristian Guanca, Majed Omar Kanabah, Musab Al-Juwayr, Giacomo Bonaventura
- Forwards: Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco, Mohamed Al-Thani
Potential individual battles could see the likes of Al-Juwayr against Al Nassr’s Marcelo Brozovic in midfield, a contest that may well decide the game’s outcome.
Al Shabab Suspensions & Injuries
Al Shabab faces a couple of injury concerns heading into their match against Al Nassr FC. This might impact their squad depth and overall team performance. Here are the details:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Fahad Al Muwallad | Chest injury | Unknown |
| Abderrazak Hamdallah | Knock injury | Doubtful |
No suspensions have been reported for Al Shabab, leaving their lineup mostly intact from a disciplinary perspective. However, the absence of Fahad Al Muwallad, a key player, and the potential unavailability of striker Abderrazak Hamdallah could limit their attacking options. Coach Vitor Pereira will have to make strategic adjustments to compensate for these losses and ensure the team remains competitive.
Al Shabab Tactics and Formation
Al Shabab Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Key Forward: Mohamed Al-Thani
- Midfield Duo: Cristian Guanca, Majed Omar Kanabah
- Defensive Trio: Robert Renan, Nader Al-Sharari, Wesley Hoedt
Al Shabab’s manager, Vitor Pereira, has opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation in their recent matches, emphasizing both defensive solidity and offensive creativity. With 2 clean sheets in their last 5 games, their defense, marshalled by Robert Renan and Nader Al-Sharari, has been resolute.
In midfield, Cristian Guanca and Majed Omar Kanabah provide balance, while Musab Al-Juwayr’s role as left midfielder helps bridge defense and attack. Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco and Giacomo Bonaventura play key roles in creating scoring opportunities for the lone forward, Mohamed Al-Thani.
Pereira will likely focus on maintaining possession and exploiting spaces on the flanks against a robust Al Nassr FC squad.
Al Shabab vs. Al Nassr FC Prediction, Match Preview & Betting Tips, 18 October 2024
The match will take place at Al-Shabab Club Stadium, a venue known for its vibrant atmosphere and passionate home crowd. The stadium can hold up to 15,000 spectators, ensuring an intense backdrop for the match.
Al Nassr FC Team Analysis
Al Nassr FC Recent Performance WWWWW
Al Nassr FC has been in scintillating form, winning all their last five matches comfortably. They have shown their attacking prowess, averaging 2.40 goals per game in their recent outings and securing three clean sheets in the process. Their last five results are as follows:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Al Nassr FC | Al-Orobah FC | 3-0 (Win) |
| Al Nassr FC | Al-Rayyan | 2-1 (Win) |
| Al Nassr FC | Al-Wehda | 2-0 (Win) |
| Al Hazem | Al Nassr FC | 1-2 (Win) |
| Al-Ettifaq | Al Nassr FC | 0-3 (Win) |
It is clear that Al Nassr FC, under the stewardship of Stefano Pioli, has been a formidable force. Their defense has been tight and their forward line, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, is firing on all cylinders. Consistency will be key as they look to extend their unbeaten streak to 18 matches in the Saudi Pro League.
Al Nassr FC Key Players
Al Nassr FC boasts a star-studded lineup, crucial to their recent unbeaten run. The spotlight naturally falls on Cristiano Ronaldo, who is their top scorer with five goals this season. Expected lineup for Al Nassr FC:
- Goalkeeper: Bento
- Defenders: Nawaf Al-Boushal, Mohamed Simakan, Aymeric Laporte, Salem Al-Najdi
- Midfielders: Marcelo Brozovic, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Anderson Talisca, Otavio, Sadio Mané
- Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo Several key individual battles will be pivotal, including Ronaldo’s duel with Al Shabab’s Wesley Hoedt. Sadio Mané’s pace on the wing against Hussain Al-Sabiyani is another intriguing matchup. Tactically, Marcelo Brozovic will aim to control the midfield, countering Al Shabab’s Cristian Guanca. Ronaldo’s attacking prowess and Talisca’s playmaking abilities make Al Nassr FC a formidable side.
Al Nassr FC Suspensions & Injuries
Al Nassr FC will head into this match with a few injury concerns that might affect their overall performance.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Sami Al-Najei | Knee injury | A few days |
| Nawaf Al-Aqidi | Back injury | Mid December 2024 |
| Sultan Al-Ghannam | Foot injury | A few days |
There are no suspensions for Al Nassr FC for this match. The absence of players like Sami Al-Najei and Nawaf Al-Aqidi could impact the team’s depth and rotation options. Sultan Al-Ghannam’s injury means the team might have to rely on Nawaf Al-Boushal for the right-back position, potentially altering their defensive setup.
Al Nassr FC Tactics and Formation
Al Nassr FC Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo (5 goals this season)
- Midfield Maestro: Marcelo Brozovic, who ensures stability in the center of the park.
- Defensive Pair: Mohamed Simakan and Aymeric Laporte, providing a solid defensive backbone.
- Creative Wings: Sadio Mané on the left and Anderson Talisca on the right, providing width and creativity.
- Notable Strategy: Typically employs a high press and quickly transitions into attack using their wingers and full-back overlap.
- Weakness: Vulnerable in the closing stages, having conceded most goals in the 76-90 minute interval this season.
Al Nassr FC’s approach focuses on their ability to strike swiftly, leveraging Ronaldo’s positioning and the creative sparks from their wide players and central midfield.
Al Shabab vs. Al Nassr FC Head-to-Head Statistics
Analyzing the last five meetings between Al Shabab and Al Nassr FC:
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Al Shabab | Al Nassr FC | 2-3 |
| Al Shabab | Al Nassr FC | 2-5 |
| Al Nassr FC | Al Shabab | 4-0 |
| Al Nassr FC | Al Shabab | 0-0 |
| Al Nassr FC | Al Shabab | 3-2 |
Al Nassr FC has been dominant, with four wins out of the last five encounters and one draw. They have consistently found the back of the net, showcasing their attacking prowess. Al Shabab will need a b defensive performance to turn the tide in this fixture.
Venue and Weather
Weather-wise, the forecast predicts overcast clouds, with a temperature of 15°C. Humidity will be at 78%, and wind speeds will be relatively low at 1.29 m/s. Both teams may opt for a more cautious approach, given the conditions. The cool temperature can be beneficial for high-intensity play, but the overcast skies might make visibility tricky for long balls and goalkeepers. Expect tactical adjustments to account for these elements, potentially making set pieces even more critical.
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