Al-Riyadh and Al-Nassr face off in the Saudi Pro League

Al-Riyadh and Al-Nassr face each other this Friday for the second round of the Saudi Pro League, in a match surrounded by expectations regarding the teams' lineups. The clash brings together reigning champions Al-Nassr, who are looking to maintain a 100% record, and Al-Riyadh, focused on picking up their first points in the tournament. The match also draws attention due to a possible stadium change and Cristiano Ronaldo's physical condition.

Agreement for stadium change

The two clubs have agreed to transfer the venue of the match from the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium to Al-Awwal Park. The change is still awaiting official approval from the Saudi Professional League following a request from Al-Nassr's board of directors. Even with the change, Al-Riyadh remains the home team for the fixture and will receive the event's revenues, minus operational and maintenance costs.

Cristiano Ronaldo's situation and absences

Al-Nassr's main star, Cristiano Ronaldo, is a major doubt to start the match, as he is undergoing a physical reconditioning program after playing in the World Cup for Portugal, and is expected to begin on the bench. At right-back, coach Ange Postecoglou will be without the injured Sultan Al-Ghannam, opening a spot for Nawaf Boushal. On Al-Riyadh's side, coach Maurício Dulac will be without center-back Rodrigo Abascal, suspended due to a red card in the opener, and he will likely be replaced by 23-year-old Marzouq Tambakti alongside Mohammed Al-Khaibari.

How the teams come into the clash

Al-Nassr started their national league campaign by defeating Al-Fateh 3-0 and top the standings on goal difference, surpassing teams like Al-Hilal and Al-Ettifaq. The team coached by Australian manager Ange Postecoglou also thrashed Al-Diriyah 4-1 in the King's Cup. Meanwhile, Al-Riyadh started with a 4-2 defeat away to Al-Ettifaq, exposing defensive flaws, and is counting on saves from goalkeeper Milan Borjan and the speed of Egyptian winger Trezeguet to bounce back.

Predicted lineups for the match

Al-Riyadh is expected to take the field with Milan Borjan; Al-Essa, Mohammed Al-Khaibari, Marzouq Tambakti, and Hazazi; Al Jayzani, Al-Sobhi, and Mensah; Teddy Okou, Trezeguet, and Leandro Antunes. The coach is Maurício Dulac.

As for Al-Nassr, they are expected to line up with Bento; Nawaf Boushal, Mohamed Simakan, Aymeric Laporte, and Salem Al-Najdi; Samú Costa, Marcelo Brozovic, and Otávio; Ângelo, Sadio Mané, and João Félix. The team manager is Ange Postecoglou.

Where to watch the game live

The duel between the two teams is scheduled for 1 PM Brasília time this Friday. Brazilian fans will be able to follow the live broadcast of the game on XSports' YouTube channel.

With information from LANCE!, Goal.com.