Al Nassr vs Abha Tips and Predictions
Al Nassr started the 2023/24 Saudi Pro League campaign with two losses but a streak of six consecutive wins currently sees Luis Castro’s team sit fourth in the league table, just two points away from league-leaders Al Hilal.
On Friday, October 6, Al Nassr will look to extend their winning streak as they host 16th-placed Abha at the Al Awwal Stadium in Riyadh. The kick-off is scheduled for 6 pm local time. Considering the recent forms of the two teams, we see the hosts as the obvious favourites in our Al Nassr vs Abha tips, although we have to keep in mind their midweek game in the AFC Champions League.
Al Nassr to win to nil
As evident from their recent result, Al Nassr have been in incredible form for the past weeks. Nevertheless, the team captained by Cristiano Ronaldo ranks only fourth in the league table so they cannot afford to drop any more points if they want to be part of the title race in the Saudi Pro League. For that reason, we expect a motivated Al Nassr team that will go for the win on Friday.
Abha, on the other hand, are one of the most underwhelming teams in the competition as they have lost their last four games. Coached by Ceslaw Michniewicz, they have scored five goals in the eight league games so far which is the joint-worst record. For these reasons, we believe that the home side will manage to beat Abha while keeping a clean sheet, with Bet365 offering 1.72 odds on Al Nassr winning the game to nil.
Under 4 goals
As we mentioned above, Al Nassr have a match against Istiqlol Dushanbe scheduled for Monday, meaning that they won’t be at their freshest for the game against Abha. Moreover, Abha are not as horrible in defence as they are going forward, having conceded 14 goals so far. While it equals to almost two goals per game, this is just one more conceded goal than 6th-placed Al Ahli.
Al Nassr being affected by fatigue combined with Abha’s not-so-terrible backline may limit the number of goals scored in the match on October 6. The bookmakers apparently expect a goal fest but our Al Nassr vs Abha tips go against that expectation. Bet365’s odds on under 4 goals stand at an attractive 2.20.
Under 10 corners
In a similar capacity, a decrease in the number of scoring chances should also limit the number of corner kicks in the match between Al Nassr and Abha. Bet365 gives 1.83 odds on under 10 corners.
Abha will most likely park the bus at the Al Awwal Stadium, and the goalkeeper saves and defenders’ clearances may result in a few corner kicks. There is little doubt that Al Nassr’s attack (with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané and others) will break down that defensive block and score at least a couple. However, once Al Nassr are in the lead, Castro’s men should focus on retaining possession rather than pushing for more goals considering their busy calendar and the upcoming international break.
But even if it were an open-ended game, the Saudi Pro League does not seem rich in corner kicks. For example, there were four corner kicks in Al Nassr’s 2-1 win over Al Tai and seven in the 4-3 win over Al Ahli. It’s difficult to imagine a different scenario on Friday.
Please remember to always gamble responsibly. Our Al Nassr vs Abha tips are mere suggestions, not a call to action. Always rely on your own judgement first and foremost.