All eyes of Saudi and Arab football fans are on Al-Awwal Park Stadium, which will host a highly anticipated clash between Saudi football giants Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr, as part of the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League. This derby takes on added significance this season, not only because it's a historic battle for supremacy, but also because it comes amidst strong reinforcements made by Al-Ittihad, most notably the signing of Moroccan international striker Youssef En-Nesyri.
Historical context and renewed competition
The matches between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr, known as the "Saudi Clasico," have always been a stage for intense rivalry and fierce competition. This match represents a clash between a rich history and a thriving present, with each team striving to assert its dominance and confirm its superiority. In recent years, with the significant boom in the Saudi Professional League (SPL) and the influx of international stars, the intensity of the competition has risen to unprecedented levels. The results of these matches have become crucial in the title race, and they also attract widespread international attention, placing immense pressure on the players to deliver their best performances.
The importance of the match and the impact of the En-Nesyri deal
Al-Ittihad enters this match with its sights set on three points to continue its climb up the league table and close the gap with the leading teams. The signing of Youssef En-Nesyri, arriving from Turkish club Fenerbahçe, is seen as a strategic move to bolster the team's attacking prowess, which was in need of a clinical striker capable of converting chances into goals. The derby is expected to mark En-Nesyri's debut in the "Dean's" jersey, adding a new element of excitement and anticipation to the match, as fans place great hopes on his ability to make a difference.
The expected lineup for Al-Ittihad Club
Given these circumstances, the team's coach is expected to field a balanced lineup that blends experience and youth, while relying on the new attacking force. The likely Al-Ittihad lineup is as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Predrag Rajkovic
- Defense: Mario Mitai, Hassan Kadash, Danilo Pereira, Muhannad Al-Shanqiti
- Midfield: Mamadou Doumbia, Fabinho Tavares, Houssem Aouar
- Forwards: Moussa Diaby, Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, Youssef En-Nesyri
This formation reflects the coaching staff's vision of achieving a balance between defensive duties, with experienced players like Fabinho and Danilo Pereira, and the quick attacking runs of Diaby and Al-Ghamdi, with En-Nesyri as a key pivot in the opponent's penalty area. The success of this combination will depend on the level of cohesion that develops between the players, especially in the Moroccan star's first appearance.
