Al Ettifaq will put their perfect record in the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season on the line on Friday night when they welcome Al-Nassr to the Al Ettifaq Club Stadium for a gameweek four showdown. The hosts have taken the maximum nine points from their first three matches in the new league season, while the visitors have made a stuttering start, managing five points over the same period.
Al Ettifaq were widely tipped to be the side to challenge Al-Hilal’s dominance last season but ended up finishing sixth. However, they have started this term in impressive fashion with wins over Al-Shabab, Al-Akhdoud, and Al-Fateh. This promising start has been much-needed for Steven Gerrard after his disappointing first year in charge.
If Al-Ettifaq pick up a victory against last season’s runners-up on Friday, it will mark their longest winning streak since 2012. While they lost to their upcoming opponents in their last two encounters, both defeats were away from home.
On the other hand, things have not been going well for Al-Nassr as they already trail the top three by four points. They have had underwhelming performances so far and recently sacked manager Luis Castro. Former AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has been appointed as his replacement and will make his debut in this match.
In terms of team news, Gerrard only has one injury absentee - Jack Hendry – while Pioli may be without Cristiano Ronaldo due to illness.
this is expected to be an evenly contested match with opinions divided given Al-Nassr’s start and potential absence of Ronaldo. A draw seems likely at full time.
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