Al Nassr’s season has been a rollercoaster ride, leaving fans both hopeful and frustrated. This weekend, they’re gearing up to face Al Fateh, a team staring down the barrel of relegation.
In their most recent outing, Al Nassr edged past Al-Khaleej, thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s magic. His brace not only sealed the victory but also kept their championship dreams alive, even though they’re still trailing league leaders Al-Ittihad by a daunting 11 points.
Meanwhile, Stefano Pioli’s men haven’t been living up to expectations either. Despite suffering only two losses, their five draws in 16 matches have turned them into draw specialists. That lack of killer instinct has left them playing catch-up in the title race against heavyweights Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Al Nassr vs. Al Fateh live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Saudi Pro League match in the U.S.:
TV channel: FS2
Live stream: Fubo, Fox Sports App, Fox Sports website
This game is available for live TV broadcast on FS2 in the United States. Streaming options are available on Fubo (free trial), Fox Sports App and Fox Sports website.
For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $59.99, a $25 savings. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
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What time does Al Nassr vs. Al Fateh kick off?
This Saudi Pro League clash takes place at the Al -Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and kicks off on Sunday, January 25 at 8 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sun, Jan. 25 | 12 p.m. |
| Central Time | Sun, Jan. 25 | 11 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sun, Jan. 25 | 10 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sun, Jan. 25 | 9 a.m. |
Al Nassr vs. Al Fateh predicted lineups, team news
Al-Nassr could stick to their winning formula from midweek’s victory over Al Khaleej, though they’ll be without some key pieces. Anderson Talisca remains sidelined with an injury, and defensive anchor Aymeric Laporte is out due to personal reasons.
In Laporte’s absence, Ali Lajami is expected to partner Mohamed Simakan in the heart of the backline, while Ali Al-Hassan will look to keep his spot alongside midfield maestro Marcelo Brozovic in the engine room.
Without Talisca in the mix, the attacking reins fall to Sadio Mane, Otavio, and Angelo Gabriel, who’ll line up behind none other than Cristiano Ronaldo. The ever-reliable captain is leading the Saudi Pro League scoring charts with 13 goals this season. With an incredible 77 goals and 18 assists in just 86 appearances for the club, Ronaldo continues to prove why he’s the main man for Al-Nassr.
Al Nassr predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Bento (GK) — Al Ghanam, Simakan, Lajami, Boushal — Brozovic, Al-Hassan — Gabriel, Otavio, Mane — Ronaldo.
Injured: Al Najei, Yahya, Simikan
Suspended: None
Al Fateh might stick with the same lineup that helped them bounce back from their humiliating 9-0 loss to Al-Hilal with a victory last time out.
Up front, Djaniny remains the go-to man, having found the net four times in 13 league appearances this season. Behind him, the trio of Mourad Batna, Matias Vargas, and Amine Sbai will once again provide the creative spark in attack.
In midfield, Sofiane Bendebka continues to be a rock and has chipped in with four goals of his own so far. Meanwhile, former Lyon star Jason Denayer will anchor the defense alongside Ammar Al-Dohaim, hoping to keep things solid at the back.
Al Fateh predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Szappanos (GK) — Baattiah, Al-Dohaim, Denayer, Al-Zarie — Bendebka, Al-Zaid — Batna, Vargas, Sbai — Djaniny.
Injured: None
Suspended: None
Al Nassr vs. Al Fateh Prediction
Al Fateh heads into the weekend with a much-needed boost of confidence after their vital midweek victory. However, the home side’s firepower and overall quality should make this a relatively straightforward outing for them.
With their title hopes hanging by a thread, Al-Nassr knows that only a string of wins will keep their dreams alive.
- Prediction: Al Nassr 3-0 Al Fateh
Saudi Pro League fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Saturday, January 25
- Al Kholood vs. Al Raed (8:50 a.m.)
- Al Okhdood vs. Al Khaleej (10:30 a.m.)
- Al Wehda vs. Al Ettifaq (12:00 p.m.)
Sunday, January 26
- Al Taawoun vs. Al Orobah (10:20 a.m.)
- Al Ahli vs. Al Riyadh (10:45 a.m.)
- Al Nassr vs. Al Fateh (12:00 p.m.)
Monday, January 27
- Damac vs. Al Ittihad (9:05 a.m.)
- Al Shabab vs. Al Fayha (10:10 a.m.)
- Al Qadsiah vs. Al Hilal (12:00 p.m.)
