On May 12, 2025, Al Akhdoud will welcome title-challengers Al Nassr in a pivotal Saudi Pro League encounter. The game kicks off at 19:00 BST, which corresponds to 20:00 CEST in Italy, Germany, France and Spain. Fans can expect a high-intensity atmosphere at the Prince Hathloul bin Abdul Aziz Stadium in Najran, where both sides will be eager to secure maximum points.
This round 31 fixture carries huge significance: Al Akhdoud are fighting to climb away from the relegation zone, while Al Nassr are pushing to close the gap at the top of the table. With just a handful of matches left, every result could shape the final standings of the 2024-25 campaign.
How are both teams coming into this?
Al Akhdoud have shown flashes of promise in recent weeks but remain inconsistent. After a morale-boosting 2-1 home victory over Al-Ettifaq, they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at Al-Fateh. Head coach Georges Leekens will be looking for greater defensive solidity, especially against a potent Al Nassr attack. The loss of key midfielder Omar Al-Zahid to suspension could hamper their creativity in the final third.
Al Nassr, on the other hand, arrive in confident mood following four consecutive league wins. Cristiano Ronaldo has rediscovered his scoring touch, netting six goals in his last four outings. Despite a minor injury scare for playmaker Anderson Talisca, the visitors look well-equipped to control possession and threaten on the break. A victory would keep their title hopes very much alive.
Our forecast
Given the recent form and head-to-head edge, we expect Al Nassr to dominate proceedings. Their superior squad depth and experience in big matches should tell, especially once they secure control of midfield. Al Akhdoud will likely sit deep and attempt to hit on counters, but may struggle to create clear-cut chances.
We predict a 2-0 win for Al Nassr, with Cristiano Ronaldo or Anderson Talisca breaking the deadlock. A clean sheet for David Ospina is also on the cards, given Al Akhdoud’s current struggles in front of goal. This result would boost Al Nassr’s title bid and dent the hosts’ survival hopes.
Best odds
Bet365: Al Akhdoud 4.20, Draw 3.60, Al Nassr 1.85
Unibet: Al Akhdoud 4.00, Draw 3.50, Al Nassr 1.90
William Hill: Al Akhdoud 4.10, Draw 3.55, Al Nassr 1.88
Possible lineups
Al Akhdoud could line up in a cautious 4-2-3-1 shape. Coach Leekens may opt for goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Rubaie between the sticks, backed by a back four of Saad Al-Dosari, Hassan Al-Rashidi, Mohammed Al-Ghannam and Abdulrahman Al-Qahtani. The double pivot of Mohammed Al-Salhi and Nawaf Al-Shammari will aim to shield the defence, while Youssef El-Arabi leads the attack with support from Salem Al-Harbi, Ali Al-Zahrani and Ahmed Al-Muwallad.
Al Nassr are likely to deploy their favoured 4-2-3-1 system. David Ospina starts in goal, flanked by full-backs Sultan Al-Ghannam and Ghareeb Al-Shammari. Central defence features Ali Lajami and Ahmed Hegazy. In midfield, Marcelo Brozovic and Otavio will sit deep to dictate play. The creative trio of Anderson Talisca, Talisca’s compatriot Otavio and Vincent Aboubakar provide service to lone striker Cristiano Ronaldo.
