Al-Ittifaq FC vs Al Nasr Prediction & Betting Tips - Saudi Pro League

Prediction published on 12/08/2023, 09:57  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 12/08/2023 at 10:58 in Saudi Pro League Predictions

Al Nassr begin their Saudi Arabia Pro League season with a trip to Al Ettifaq. Last season saw 'The Global One' second in the table, five points beind champions Al Ittihad. Their opponents in this game were seventh, 30 points behind them. Al Nassr have like most Saudi Arabian clubs been busy in the transfer market. Key signings for this new season include Seko Fofana from Lens, Sadio Mane from Bayern Munich and the Inter Milan defender Marcelo Brozovic. They've recently been playing in the Arab Champions Cup with three wins and two draws. Last season saw Al Nassr win eight away league games. The 'Knights of Najdonly conceded eight away goals, the best defensive record in the Saudi Arabia Pro League.

Al Ettifaq are now coached by former Rangers and Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard. Among their signings are Jordan Henderson from Liverpool, Lyon's Moussa Dembele and Jack Hendry from Club Brugge. Their preseason has been spent playing friendlies rather than competitive fixtures. That may well count against the Commandos for this match. Only one of the last four friendlies have been won. Home form last season produced seven wins and five defeats. Last season ended with four points being earned from their last two games but they'd lost the couple of league fixtures played before that. The penultimate game was a home 1-1 draw with Al Nassr but they gave away a first half lead. The reverse fixture had been lost 1-0 in January. This is a tough start for Gerrard and we go for Al Nassr to get an away win.