Al Nassr vs Al Ahli Tips and Predictions
The biggest game of Saudi Pro League Matchday 7 has to be the clash between Al Nassr and Al Ahli. The encounter is scheduled for Friday, September 22, with the kick-off at 9 pm local time.
Al Nassr is one the most followed teams in the country, especially after the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. They currently sit sixth as they started the league campaign with two losses but improved their results eventually. Al Ahli, despite only being promoted to the Saudi Pro League this season, have a very solid squad. Coached by Matthias Jaissle, the team currently sits third in the league table.
In our Al Nassr vs Al Ahli tips, we expect an entertaining match that may go both ways.
Cristiano Ronaldo to score anytime
Cristiano Ronaldo currently leads in the top goalscorer race in the Saudi Pro League with seven strikes in five matches. Moreover, he’s scored in all of Al Nassr’s recent four league games.
In general, the Portugal captain has found it easy scoring in the Saudi Pro League, finishing the previous campaign with 14 goals in 16 appearances. Now that he’s fully adapted to the league, Cristiano Ronaldo is scoring even more. The arrivals of Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic and Alex Telles have also increased the number of scoring chances Cristiano gets during the match.
The 38-year-old should be able to get on the scoreline against Al Ahli once again, continuing his scoring streak. Bet365 offers 1.57 odds on Cristiano Ronaldo scoring anytime during the match.
Both teams to score? Yes
But it’s not only Cristiano Ronaldo who we expect to score on Friday – Al Ahli should be able score at least a goal of their own. Jaissle’s team has a respectable record of 13 goals scored in six matches.
That is barely a surprise, though, as Al Ahli have the likes of Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez and Allan Saint-Maximin in attack. Gabri Veiga and Franck Kessie support them from the midfield too.
Moreover, Al Nassr’s defence is far from perfect, as Luis Castro's men have conceded six goals in six matches, keeping just two clean sheets. Even the likes of Al Raed and Al Hazem – who sit in the lower half of the league table – have been able to score against them. Al Ahli, with their impressive attacking line, should be able to do the same.
Over 2.5 goals
While we say in our Al Nassr vs Al Ahli tips that both teams will score, we do not think that the match will end in a 1-1 draw. Instead, it sounds more reasonable that there will be over 2.5 goals in the match on Friday, with Bet365 offering 1.57 odds on this event.
Al Nassr and Al Ahli will likely have a cautious approach at first, but since both teams need the win, the game should get more open-ended in the final 30 minutes. The winner is difficult to predict, though.
As we mentioned above, Al Nassr started the 2023/24 league campaign with two losses, and although they won the next four games, this has only brought them to sixth place. Al Ahli, meanwhile, are just one point away from league leaders Al Hilal. Winning the Saudi Pro League the very next season after promotion would be an incredible achievement, and they definitely have the squad for it.
Please remember to always gamble responsibly. Our Al Nassr vs Al Ahli tips are mere suggestions, not a call to action. Always rely on your own judgement first and foremost.