At a time when the home side sit in fourth position in the standings, their opponents are 11th after a recent strong run of form.

Heading into Monday’s continental clash with Esteghlal, Stefano Pioli‘s side had only prevailed in one of their previous six contests, an unwanted blip ahead of arguably their biggest game of the season.

However, after a goalless draw in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, Al-Nassr delivered on home territory, posting a 3-0 victory.

Pioli decided to start each of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jhon Duran, the Portuguese and Colombian stars each getting on the scoresheet in the opening 27 minutes to hand Al-Nassr control.

While attention will turn back to that competition in April, Al-Nassr can now focus on their last league game before the international break as they bid to return to the top three.

Despite starting the year with 19 points from seven matches, just four points have been accumulated from their following four encounters.

That effectively leaves Al Kholood as the form team heading into this contest, a consequence of three wins coming from their last four top-flight games.

In the long term, Noureddine Zekri‘s side have recorded eight victories from 13 games, a hugely impressive feat when considering that they earned promotion in third spot during 2023-24.

Nevertheless, some context is required with each of their last six triumphs having come at home. You have to go back to January 10 for their most recent away success.

Since that occasion, four successive defeats have been registered on their travels, conceding 12 goals in the process.

Pioli will need to make one change to his Al-Nassr defence courtesy of Mohammed Al-Fatil serving a suspension for his red card against Al-Shabab.

Ali Lajami is in line to deputise in the middle of the backline, but alterations elsewhere may be few and far between with Pioli being able to rest players during the final quarter of Monday’s match.

Wesley or Angelo Gabriel are most likely to return on the flank if further tinkering is undertaken.

Meanwhile, Hammam Al-Hammami is expected to come into the Al Kholood XI with Mohammed Sawaan picking up an injury last time out.

Sultan Al-Shehri could also take the spot of Hamdan Al-Shammrani at left-back after the latter needed to be withdrawn during the latter stages of the same game against Al-Fateh.

Al-Nassr possible starting lineup:
Bento; Al-Boushal, Simakan, Lajami, Al-Najdi; Brozovic, Al-Hassan; Duran, Yahya, Mane; Ronaldo

Al Kholood possible starting lineup:
Grohe; Al-Hawsawi, Troost-Ekong, Jahfali, Al-Shehri; Dieng, N’Doram; Al-Hammami, Collado, Maolida; Muleka

We say: Al-Nassr 3-1 Al Kholood

With Al Kholood heading into this fixture having performed well of late, they will back themselves to take advantage of any tiredness in the Al-Nassr squad. However, we cannot back against Pioli’s star-studded attack, who should make the difference in this contest.