Al Nassr will look to close the gap on table-toppers Al Hilal when they entertain bottom-placed Al Hazem in the Saudi Pro League. The clash on Thursday (29 February) will be the 22nd match of Al Nassr’s league season as they trail Al Hilal by seven points in the table. Al Nassr has been on a four-game winning streak and will look to go five-in-five.

Meanwhile, their opponents have struggled to deliver this season. The side is stagnating at the last place in the standings and has managed just two wins from their 21 appearances. Daniel Carreno’s men could be in for their toughest game at Al Awwal Park and will have to bring out their A-game to even stand a chance against their opponents.

Al Nassr vs Al Hazem: Team Updates and Injuries, Update on Cristiano Ronaldo

Luis Castro has received a massive headache heading into the game as Cristiano Ronaldo has been slapped with a one-match ban. In addition to the ban, Ronaldo has been fined 10,000 Saudi riyals ($2,666) for his obscene gesture after his side’s 3-2 win over Al Shabab. The ban is not subject to appeal. Hence, he is set to miss out on the clash against Al Hazem.

Apart from the Al Nassr skipper, the team will be without Raghed Al-Najjar, and Nawaf Al-Aqidi, with the duo unavailable because of injury and suspension respectively.

Daniel Carreno’s side, on the other hand, will be without the services of Brazilian midfielder Vina, with the player sidelined because of a calf injury.

Al Nassr vs Al Hazem: Prediction

Luis Castro and his side have no room for a mistake. With the Blue Waves showing no signs of a drop in their form, Al Nassr will have to be at their best for the rest of the campaign starting against Al Hazem. Talisca has been firing on all cylinders and was on target twice in their 3-2 win at Al-Shabab last week.

Their current run of form suggests they shouldn’t have any trouble making quick work of Al Hazem.

Al Hazem on the other hand, is winless in five league outings. Following a 3-1 loss to Al Fayha in their first game after the winter break, they drew 1-1 with Al Khaleej last week. As such it will be an uphill task for Al Hazem to get anything from the game.

Prediction: Al Nassr 3 – 0 Al Hazem

Al Nassr vs Al Hazem: Confirmed Lineups

Al Nassr confirmed lineup: (4-2-3-1) Waleed; Bu Washl, Al-Amri, Laporte, Telles; Al Khaibari, Brozovic; Otavio, Sami, Talisca; Mane

Al Hazem predicted lineup: (4-3-3) Dahmen; Al Bakr, Ferreira, Viana, Qasheesh; Al Mhemaid, Moreno, Al Salman; Selemani, Badamosi, Carvalho

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When and Where to Watch Al Nassr vs Al Hazem

The match between Al Nassr and Al Hazem will come to your screens on the 29th of February from Al Awwal Park. Fans from the United States can catch the live action from the game on Fox Sports from 12:00 PM (EST). Meanwhile, viewers in the United Kingdom will be able to catch the action on DAZN/DAZN1 from 05:00 PM (UK Time).

Al Nassr vs Al Hazem: Final Result

Referring to the match itself as merely thrilling, would not serve it justice. With Cristiano Ronaldo absent, Anderson Talisca stepped up to the plate and netted a hattrick, while Sadio Mane sealed the deal with a late penalty goal in the 94th minute. Al Hazm also came equally prepared, managing to score 4 goals, including one in the 99th minute. Ultimately, the match concluded in a 4-4 draw.

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