Al Nassr vs Al-Shabab

The Riyadh Derby returns to Al-Awwal Park today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, as Al-Nassr hosts Al-Shabab in a crucial Roshn Saudi League (RSL) encounter.¹ Kick-off is scheduled for 17:30 UTC (20:30 local time).²

The match represents a significant crossroad for both teams: Al-Nassr is desperately trying to stay in the title race after a recent slump, while Al-Shabab is battling to pull clear of the relegation zone.

Match Information

Al-Nassr: Arresting the Slump

After a historic start to the season with 10 consecutive wins, Jorge Jesus’s Al-Nassr has hit a turbulent patch.⁴ The "Knights of Najd" are currently winless in their last four competitive matches, including a painful 3–1 defeat to rivals Al-Hilal on Monday.⁵ This run has left them 7 points adrift of the league leaders.⁶

Team News and Selection:

• Major Absences: The squad is significantly depleted.⁷ Sadio Mané is unavailable as he prepares for the AFCON final with Senegal.⁸ Goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi, defender Nawaf Boushal, and midfielder Marcelo Brozovic are all serving suspensions.⁹

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• Injury Report: Mohamed Simakan is sidelined with a muscle injury, while Sami Al-Najei continues his long-term recovery.¹⁰

   

   

• Key Player: Cristiano Ronaldo remains the league's top scorer with 15 goals and will lead the line, supported by January signing João Félix.¹¹

   

   

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Al-Buainain; Al-Ghannam, Martinez, Al-Fatil, Yahya; Al-Khaibari, Al-Hassan; Ângelo, João Félix, Coman; Ronaldo.

Al-Shabab: Momentum from the "White Lions"

Under the management of Imanol Alguacil, Al-Shabab arrives following a vital 3–2 victory over NEOM SC on Wednesday, which ended a bleak winless run dating back to September.¹² Currently in 14th place with 11 points, they sit just above the relegation spots.¹³

Team News and Selection:

• Suspensions: The visitors are also struggling with discipline; Abdullah Matuq, Mohammed Al-Shwirekh, and Ali Makki are all suspended following recent red cards.¹⁴

   

   

• Injury Report: Mohammed Harbush is out with a cruciate ligament injury.¹⁵

   

   

• Returns: Abderrazak Hamdallah is expected to return to the squad following international duty with Morocco at the Arab Cup.¹⁶

   

   

• Key Player: Captain Yannick Carrasco has been the standout performer, contributing 7 goals this season, including a brace in their recent win.¹⁷

   

   

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Grohe; Al-Thani, Brownhill, Hoedt, Balobaid; Adli, Sierro, Hernandez; Carrasco, Al-Hammami, Hamdallah.

Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• Historical Dominance: Al-Nassr is unbeaten in their last 9 meetings against Al-Shabab (6 wins, 3 draws).

• Defensive Woes: Al-Nassr has conceded the most penalties in the league this season (6) and has kept only two clean sheets in 14 matches

• Home Fortress: Despite recent form, Al-Nassr has won 80% of their last five home matches.

• Ronaldo vs. Carrasco: The match features two of the league's most influential veterans; Ronaldo (15 goals) vs.²¹ Carrasco (7 goals).

Tactical Preview and Prediction

Al-Nassr’s aggressive style under Jorge Jesus will likely dominate possession, but their makeshift defense—missing both Al-Aqidi and Simakan—is vulnerable to the pace of Carrasco on the break. Al-Shabab will likely deploy a low block, hoping to frustrate Ronaldo and exploit transitions. However, Al-Nassr’s individual quality, particularly with João Félix and Ronaldo, often proves too much for bottom-half defenses.

Final Score Prediction: Al-Nassr 3–1 Al-Shabab