Thu Jan 30 21:30:00 IST 2025: ## Al-Nassr Favored to Extend Winning Streak Against Struggling Al Raed
**RIYADH, Saudi Arabia** – Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are heavy favorites to extend their winning run when they face a desperate Al Raed in a Saudi Pro League clash on Thursday at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium. Al Raed, currently on a six-game losing streak, are perilously close to the relegation zone with only 14 points from 17 matches. Their recent struggles, including a 2-1 defeat to Al Kholood last week, have seen them concede 30 goals this season and a worrying 14 in their six-match losing streak.
Al-Nassr, on the other hand, are aiming for their third consecutive victory. While they sit fourth in the league, eight points behind leaders Al-Hilal, their recent form, including a 3-1 win over Al Fateh, suggests they are a strong contender. Their attacking prowess, particularly on the road where they’ve scored in every away game this season, poses a significant threat to Al Raed’s fragile defense. Al-Nassr boasts a formidable attacking lineup, featuring Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Otavio, and Angelo. Ronaldo, celebrating his upcoming 40th birthday, is expected to lead the line.
Despite Al Raed’s poor form, they have a slight advantage in recent head-to-head encounters, boasting one win and one draw in their last two matches against Al-Nassr. However, Al-Nassr holds an eight-game unbeaten streak against Al Raed on the road. Both teams will have injury concerns going into the match. Al Raed will be missing Mohammed Fouzair, while Al-Nassr will be without Sami Al-Najei and Ayman Yahya.
Predicting a comfortable 3-1 victory for Al-Nassr, analysts point to the stark contrast in form and the visitors’ superior attacking capabilities. The match will be a crucial test for Al Raed’s survival hopes, and a win is vital to create some breathing room from the relegation zone. For Al-Nassr, a win would keep their title hopes alive, although a significant gap remains to be closed.
First Piper 