Saudi Pro League Preview: Battle of the Kings! Ronaldo vs. Goodwin – Will Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad Makkah Engage in an Offensive Clash?

At 23:20 on the evening of September 27, the Saudi Pro League will see its fifth round match, with Al-Nassr hosting Al-Ittihad Makkah.

In the first four rounds of the league, Al-Nassr achieved two wins and two draws, remaining undefeated. However, their eight points only placed them fifth in the league. Fortunately, the league has just begun, and there’s still a chance for the team to catch up. In the first four matches, the team scored nine goals while conceding only three, demonstrating excellent performance on both offense and defense. Notably, both of their victories were away games, meaning they haven’t secured a home win this season yet. This match presents an opportunity for the team to claim their first home victory of the season.

The team’s core player, Cristiano Ronaldo, continues to perform exceptionally well this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist in four league matches, showcasing impressive form. Al-Nassr faces considerable scheduling pressure this season, participating not only in the league but also in the Asian Elite Cup and the Saudi King’s Cup. In their first match of the Asian Elite Cup, they drew 1-1 with their opponents, failing to secure all three points and placing the team in a difficult position. The upcoming schedule will be tightly packed, presenting a significant physical challenge for Ronaldo.

Al-Ittihad Makkah’s performance in the previous four matches was unsatisfactory, with only one win, one draw, and two losses, accumulating four points and temporarily ranking 14th in the league standings. The team is already close to the relegation zone, though last season they struggled similarly near the relegation line. Their goal this season remains securing survival. In the first four matches of this season, the team scored six goals but conceded twelve, indicating decent offensive capabilities but a porous defense that requires significant improvement.

Goodwin, who returned to Al-Ittihad Makkah last season, started this season strongly, scoring two goals and providing one assist in the previous four matches, effectively leading the team’s offensive line. Regarding their schedule, the team did not qualify for the Asian Elite Cup and only needs to participate in the Saudi King’s Cup besides the league. In a recent match against a lower-tier team, they were forced into a penalty shootout, eventually advancing through penalties. Given their current form, it seems unlikely they can progress far, making a focus on the league a wise choice.

In the last ten encounters between the two teams, Al-Nassr won seven, drew one, and lost two, holding the upper hand. In the two matches last season, Al-Nassr, led by Ronaldo, defeated Al-Ittihad Makkah 3-1 and 6-0. In this match, Al-Nassr has a strong desire to win at home. Even if Goodwin performs exceptionally well, it is doubtful that Al-Ittihad Makkah will have many chances to earn points.

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