Preview for Al-Nassr v Al Diriyah

Ange Postecgolou insisted Cristiano Ronaldo‘s morale is “very high” as he prepares to make his return for Al-Nassr against Al Diriyah.

Ronaldo sensationally left the Portugal camp after coach Jorge Jesus elected not to bring him on as a substitute in their away win over Norway.

Portugal’s record goalscorer missed their final two games of an extended international break before releasing a lengthy statement accusing Jesus of breaking his word but insisting he remains available for selection for his national team.

He will attempt 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 for us with full commitment and his morale is very high. I’m his coach now at Al Nassr, and he is a great addition to our team,” Postecoglou said.

“I don’t like to talk about what happened with his national team. Ronaldo has returned and is ready to play.

“I previously coached a national team [Australia] for four years, and I don’t like club managers 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 the chance to put pressure on the leaders, who face a mammoth fixture on Saturday.

Indeed, Al-Hilal host second-placed Al-Ittihad this weekend, but Al-Nassr could be top of the table by the time that game kicks off depending on the result in Al-Qadsiah’s clash with Al Kholood.

The importance of the game gives Ronaldo even more motivation to return firing on all cylinders, having already scored three times this term.

The Pro League Table

Saudi Professional League

# Team Played Won Drawn Lost GF GA GD Pts Last 5

1	Al-Hilal Saudi FC	7	6	0	1	23	5	18	18	W L W W W
2	Al-Ittihad FC	7	5	2	0	12	6	6	17	W W W D W
3	Al-Nassr	7	5	1	1	16	7	9	16	D W L W W
4	Al-Qadisiyah FC	7	5	1	1	16	8	8	16	D W W W W
5	NEOM	7	5	0	2	13	6	7	15	W W W L L
6	Al-Ahli Jeddah	7	4	0	3	16	10	6	12	W L W L L
7	Al Kholood	7	3	3	1	12	10	2	12	L W D W D
8	Al Diriyah	7	3	2	2	7	5	2	11	D W L W D
9	Al-Ettifaq	7	3	2	2	11	11	0	11	D D W L L
10	Al-Hazm	7	2	2	3	7	9	-2	8	L W D D L
11	Al Riyadh	7	2	2	3	8	16	-8	8	W D L W D
12	Al-Fayha	7	1	3	3	7	11	-4	6	D L D W D
13	Al Khaleej Saihat	7	0	5	2	3	10	-7	5	D D L L D
14	Al Shabab	7	0	4	3	6	11	-5	4	D L L D D
15	Al-Fateh	7	0	3	4	4	11	-7	3	L L D D D
16	Al-Faisaly FC	7	0	3	4	5	13	-8	3	L D D L D
17	Al Taawon	7	0	3	4	3	12	-9	3	L L D L D
18	Abha	7	0	2	5	5	13	-8	2	D L L L D

• Position 1, 2, 3, 4 : Promotion – AFC Champions League (League phase)
• Position 5 : Promotion – AFC Champions League (Qualification)
• Position 6 : Promotion – AFC Champions League 2
• Position 7 : Promotion – Gulf Club Champions League
• Position 16, 17, 18 : Relegation – Division 1

Team News for Al-Nassr v Al Diriyah

Though Ronaldo is expected to be involved, Rakan Al-Ghamdi (knee) and Salem Al-Najdi (nose) are set to remain on the sidelines, while Sultan Al-Ghanam is still recovering from ACL surgery.

Saad Al-Nasser may be able to return from a hamstring injury, while Kingsley Coman and Abdulrahman Ghareeb should both be available for selection.

Al Diriyah’s Oscar Rodriguez is suspended.

Expected line-ups for Al-Nassr v Al Diriyah

Al-Nassr: Bento; Al-Boushal, Simakan, Martinez, Al-Amri; Angelo, Samu Costa, Al-Khaibari, Mane; Joao Felix, Ronaldo

Al Diriyah: Vasilj; Al-Faraj, Mbemba, Djimsiti, Al-Sibyani; Gueye, Millot, Al-Malki; Diandy, Boulbina, Nunez

Recent Form & Stats for Al-Nassr v Al Diriyah

• Al-Nassr have already beaten Al Diriyah this season, winning 4-1 in the Kings Cup of Champions 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 of their away games this season while conceding just one goal.

Where to Watch Al-Nassr v Al Diriyah: TV and online streams

Al-Nassr v Al Diriyah kicks off at 7:00pm UK time on Friday. In the UK, the game is only available via the Saudi Pro League website.

Prediction for Al-Nassr v Al Diriyah

Al Diriyah should provide a decent test for Postecoglou’s men, but the defending champions will be expected to have enough to make it a happy return for Ronaldo.

Responsible Gambling

Gambling should always be approached as entertainment, not as a way to generate income. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, there are several organisations you can contact for free, confidential support.

• National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week)
• GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
• GambleAware: gambleaware.org
• GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk (free self-exclusion service)

Tools available through bet365 include deposit limits, session time reminders, loss limits, self-exclusion and Reality Checks. These can be accessed via the Safer Gambling section of your account at any time. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly.