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place
- Al-Awwal Park
Previous by Al-Nassr v Al Diriyah
insisted Ange Postecgolou Cristiano RonaldoMorale is ‘very high’ as it prepares to return to Al-Nassr against Al Diriyah.
Ronaldo left the Portugal field in sensational fashion after manager Jorge Jesus opted not to replace him in their away win against Norway.
Portugal’s record goalscorer missed the last two games of an extended international break before kicking off in long statement accusing Jesus of breaking his word but insisting that he remains available for selection for his selection.
He will look to put the saga behind him on Friday as Al-Nassr resume their Saudi Pro League title defence, with Postecoglou making it clear the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is in good spirits.
“Ronaldo played with us with full commitment and his morale is very high. Now I am his coach at Al Nassr, and he is a great addition to our team,” said Postecoglou.
“I don’t like to talk about what happened with his national team, Ronaldo is back and ready to play.
“I previously coached a national team (Australia) for four years, and I don’t like club coaches talking about national team managers, so I won’t comment on that.”
Al-Nassr are two points behind Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League table and have a chance to put pressure on the leaders, who face a big game on Saturday.
Al-Hilal actually host second-placed Al-Ittihad this weekend, but Al-Nassr could be top of the table when the game kicks off, depending on the outcome of Al-Qadsiah’s clash with Al Kholood.
The importance of the game gives Ronaldo even more motivation to come back firing on all cylinders as he has already scored three goals this season.
Pro League table
Saudi Professional League
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position 1, 2, 3, 4 : Promotion – AFC Champions League (League phase)
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position 5: Promotion – AFC Champions League (ranking)
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position 6 : Promotion – AFC Champions League 2
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position 7: Promotion – Gulf Club Champions League
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position 16, 17, 18: Relegation – Division 1
Team news for Al-Nasr v Al-Diriyah
While Ronaldo is expected to be involved, Rakan Al-Ghamdi (knee) and Salem Al-Najdi (nose) will remain on the sidelines, while Sultan Al-Ghanam is still recovering from ACL surgery.
Saad Al-Nasser could return from a hamstring injury, while Kingsley Coman and Abdulrahman Ghareeb should be available for selection.
Oscar Rodríguez of Al Diriyah is suspended.
Expected lineups for Al-Nassr v Al Diriyah
Al-Nassr: Bento; Al-Boushal, Simakan, Martínez, Al-Amri; Angelo, Samu Costa, Al-Khaibari, Mane; Joao Felix, Ronaldo
Al Diriyah: Vasilj; Al-Faraj, Bear, Djimsiti, Al-Sibyani; Gueye, Millot, Al-Malki; Diandy, Boulbina, Núñez
Al-Nassr v Al Diriyah recent forms and stats
- Al-Nassr have already beaten Al Diriyah this season, winning 4-1 in the King’s Champions Cup in August.
- Al-Nassr have not lost at home in the league since a 2-1 home defeat to Al-Qadsiah in January.
- However, Al Diriyah have won all three away games this season and conceded just one goal.
Where to watch Al-Nassr v Al Diriyah: TV broadcasts and online
Al-Nassr v Al Diriyah kicks off at 7pm UK time on Friday. In the UK, the game is only available through Saudi Pro League website.
Prediction for Al-Nassr v Al Diriyah
Al Diriyah should provide a decent test for Postecoglou’s men, but the defenders will hopefully have enough to make a happy return for Ronaldo.
Al-Nasr
2-1
Al Diriyah
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