Al-Ettifaq Vs Al-Nassr

Al Ettifaq will be looking to extend their flawless run in the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League as they face a significant test against Al-Nassr on Friday night at the Al Ettifaq Club Stadium. With three wins out of three, the Knights of Ad-Dahna are enjoying a perfect start to the season, while their opponents, Al-Nassr, have experienced a somewhat shaky opening, managing only five points from the same number of games.

Al Ettifaq entered this season with plenty to prove, especially after finishing last year in sixth place, far behind the top-tier clubs that dominated the league. Despite being widely tipped to challenge the PIF-owned clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Nassr last season, Al Ettifaq struggled to live up to the hype, concluding their 2023-24 campaign with just 48 points—precisely half of the impressive 96-point haul by league champions Al-Hilal. This left them searching for answers during the offseason and placed their manager, Steven Gerrard, under some pressure to turn things around.

However, Gerrard's men have rebounded in the best way possible, securing crucial victories in the opening three games of the new season. They kicked off the campaign with a 1-0 away win over Al-Shabab, followed by another tight 1-0 victory against Al-Akhdoud. Most recently, Al Ettifaq managed to grind out a 2-1 win over Al-Fateh, either side of the international break, giving them maximum points from their early fixtures.

The strong start to the season has injected a sense of optimism around the club, and it has come at a much-needed time for Gerrard. After a less-than-ideal first year in charge, he appears to have his side playing with more confidence and discipline. In fact, this is the first time since the 2011-12 season that Al Ettifaq has won their opening three games. That year, they remained undefeated in their first 10 matches, winning seven of them, and the current squad will be eager to replicate that kind of form as they push for a strong league finish this time around.

If Al Ettifaq can manage to defeat last season's league runners-up, Al-Nassr, on Friday night, it would mark their longest winning streak since 2012, when they last won four consecutive matches between October and November. This could set the tone for a potentially historic campaign for the club. While recent history shows that Al Ettifaq lost their last two encounters with Al-Nassr, it’s important to note that both of those defeats came away in Riyadh. When playing in Dammam, Al Ettifaq has had much more success against their upcoming opponents. They are unbeaten in their last three home matches against Al-Nassr, which includes a memorable 2-1 victory in the league last season.

On the other side of the pitch, Al-Nassr find themselves in an unfamiliar position, having already dropped points in two of their first three league matches. The Knights of Najd, who finished as runners-up in the 2023-24 season, have started this campaign in a somewhat underwhelming fashion, trailing the early league leaders by four points. Their inconsistent performances have raised concerns among fans and pundits alike, especially given the club's high-profile squad.

Al-Nassr began their league season with a 1-1 draw against Al-Raed, followed by a narrow 2-1 victory over Al-Fayha. However, they failed to build on that momentum, drawing 0-0 with Al-Ahli in their third league match. Their lack of cutting edge was further exposed in their AFC Champions League opener on Monday night, where they could only muster a 0-0 stalemate against Al-Shorta. 

The absence of key players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Aymeric Laporte has undoubtedly affected their early form. In their AFC Champions League match at Al-Madina International Stadium, their struggles were evident without Ronaldo's leadership on the pitch and Laporte's defensive solidity. This underwhelming performance turned out to be the final straw for their former manager Luis Castro, who was dismissed by the club on Tuesday night following the draw.

Al-Nassr acted swiftly in appointing a new head coach, announcing Stefano Pioli as the new manager the very next day. Pioli, best known for his successful stint at AC Milan, where he guided the team to the Serie A title in the 2021-22 season, brings with him a wealth of experience and tactical acumen. His appointment signals Al-Nassr’s intention to not only recover from their shaky start but to challenge for the top spot once again. Pioli will be making his managerial debut with the club in this high-stakes match against Al Ettifaq.

### **Key Players and Tactical Setups**

For Al Ettifaq, much of their early success has been built on a solid defensive foundation, with three clean sheets in their first three matches. The backline, marshaled by captain and center-back Robin Quaison, has been resolute, giving little away to opposition attacks. In the midfield, Dutch international Georginio Wijnaldum has added a level of control and creativity that has been instrumental in their ability to transition quickly from defense to attack. His influence in the center of the park has allowed forward Moussa Dembele, their top scorer, to thrive in front of goal. Dembele’s pace and finishing ability will be crucial if Al Ettifaq are to unlock Al-Nassr’s defense.

Steven Gerrard has employed a pragmatic approach so far, focusing on maintaining structure and hitting opponents on the counter. Against Al-Nassr, this tactic could prove effective, especially given the latter’s recent defensive vulnerabilities. Al Ettifaq will look to remain compact and disciplined, waiting for opportunities to strike on the break.

For Al-Nassr, Pioli’s arrival may lead to tactical changes, though it remains to be seen how quickly he can impose his ideas on the team. The Italian manager is known for favoring a 4-2-3-1 formation, with an emphasis on organized pressing and quick ball recovery. However, with Ronaldo and Laporte likely to miss the match, Pioli may have to rely on other attacking options, such as Sadio Mane, Anderson Talisca, and Otávio, to lead the charge.

The midfield will be another crucial battleground, where Al-Nassr’s Luiz Gustavo and Marcelo Brozović will be tasked with controlling the tempo of the game. Both players bring a wealth of experience, and their ability to disrupt Al Ettifaq’s build-up play and create chances for the forward line will be vital. Pioli will also be looking to shore up the defense, which has looked unsteady at times this season, particularly in the absence of Laporte.

While this match is only the fourth game of the season, it carries significant weight for both teams. For Al Ettifaq, continuing their winning run would solidify their status as early contenders for the league title and boost the confidence of the squad. A victory would also send a strong message to the rest of the league that Steven Gerrard’s side is ready to challenge the traditional powerhouses of Saudi football. Their recent home form against Al-Nassr will give them additional belief that they can get the job done.

For Al-Nassr, this match represents an opportunity to bounce back from a disappointing start and begin the Pioli era on the right foot. While they are not yet out of the title race, dropping more points at this stage would leave them with ground to make up on the early pacesetters. Pioli will be desperate to instill confidence in his new team and show that they are still very much in the hunt for silverware this season. A victory against a high-flying Al Ettifaq would be the perfect way to kick-start their campaign and restore belief among the players and supporters.

In conclusion, the clash between Al Ettifaq and Al-Nassr promises to be a fascinating encounter. Al Ettifaq will be eager to maintain their perfect start to the season and continue their impressive home record against their opponents. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr, under the new leadership of Stefano Pioli, will be looking to make a statement and turn their fortunes around. With both sides having much to play for, this match could have a lasting impact on the course of their seasons.