Overview
The hope to end Al-Nassr's Saudi Pro League title drought had to be prolonged for at least another week after conceding a goal in injury time against Al-Hilal. However, Jorge Jesus's team still holds the right to self-determination. A victory in this round will help them officially win for the 11th time in club history.
Al-Nassr entered the match with impressive home form when they were unbeaten in 9 consecutive matches in the Saudi Pro League, winning 8 of them. However, the yellow shirt team no longer maintained the explosiveness as in the early season, when they only scored a maximum of one goal in 3 of the last 5 home matches in the domestic league.
Notably, Al-Nassr also dropped points in 3 of the last 4 home matches held in May. If they continue to lose, they will experience their first consecutive home winless streak since May 2025.
However, the head-to-head history still leans completely towards the Al-Awwal Park home team. Al-Nassr has won 9 consecutive matches against Damac in the Saudi Pro League, including four home wins.
In the opposite direction, Damac is also still motivated as they are not yet sure of relegation. Fabio Carille's team needs a victory to ensure a place in the Saudi Pro League next season, although a draw is likely enough thanks to a better goal difference than Al-Riyadh.
Damac's form against strong teams this season is not really positive. They have not won any opponents currently in the top 5, and have just suffered defeats against Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal away from home recently.
The attack is also a big problem for Damac. After 33 rounds, they have only scored 31 goals - the second worst achievement in the league, only above Al Akhdoud.
However, the away team still has reason to hope when most recent encounters with Al-Nassr have been close. Although not winning since 2021, Damac has lost by only one goal difference in four of the last five encounters between the two teams.
In the context that both teams still have big goals, the confrontation in Riyadh promises to be decisive for both the championship race and the relegation battle.
Personnel situation
Al-Nassr may enter the decisive match with significant personnel losses. Marcelo Brozovic is likely to be absent due to a groin injury, while Abdullah Al-Khaibari still leaves open the possibility of playing due to hamstring problems. In addition, Raghed Al-Najjar and Sam Al-Najei both have to be sidelined for a long time due to anterior cruciate ligament injuries.
On Damac's side, coach Fabio Carille made some changes in the starting lineup in the match against Al Fayha last weekend. Abdullah Al-Qahtani and Arielson were given the opportunity to start instead of David Kaiki and Yahya Al-Najei.
Expected lineup:
Bento, Boushal, Simakan, Al-Amri, Martinez, Coman, Al-Najei, Al-Hassan, Mane, Felix, Ronaldo.
Kerwin, Hawsawi, Harkass, Bedrane, Al-Obaid, Sylla, Abdullah, Vada, Meite, Arielson, Okita.
The match between Al-Nassr and Damac takes place at 1:00 AM on May 22 (Vietnam time).
