Al-Ahli vs Al-Nassr prediction, H2H and probable lineups - January 2, 2026
One of the standout fixtures of Matchday 13 in the Saudi Pro League will be contested on Friday at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, where the local side Al-Ahli hosts Al-Nassr from Riyadh. I’m backing a bet on goals in this clash, with strong odds for success.
Match preview
Al-Ahli are enjoying a confident campaign and rightfully sit in the upper echelon of the table. After 11 rounds, the team occupies fourth place with 22 points, having conceded just eight goals—one of the league’s best defensive records. In their latest outing, the Green and Whites secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Al-Fayha, showcasing maturity and balance throughout their play.
The team has also been impressive at home: in their last five matches in Jeddah, Al-Ahli have suffered defeat only once. While their attack hasn’t been the most prolific—15 goals in 11 games—they have compensated with rock-solid defending. The matchup with Al-Nassr presents a major test: the outcome could say a lot about Al-Ahli’s medal ambitions this season.
Al-Nassr, boasting a star-studded lineup, are having a brilliant season and enter 2026 as the league’s sole leader. The team has collected 31 out of a possible 33 points and boasts the best goal difference in the league: 35 scored and just 7 conceded. Their only slip came in the last round with a 2-2 draw against Al-Ettifaq, which snapped their winning streak.
Despite that, Al-Nassr continue to play a high-tempo, attacking brand of football, pressing aggressively in the final third. Given their squad depth and the current form of their key players, they are more than capable of extending their unbeaten run in Jeddah. However, recent head-to-head stats with Al-Ahli point to tightly contested encounters, with both sides frequently finding the net.
Probable lineups
- Al-Ahli: Al-Sanbi; Ibanez, Demiral, Dams, Majrashi; Al-Johani, Atangana Edoa, Al-Muwallad, Hamidou; Toney, Galeno
- Al-Nassr: Al-Aqidi; Al-Ghannam, Al-Amri, Martinez, Al-Boushal; Brozovic, Al-Hassan, Garib, Al-Nassir, Borges; Ronaldo
Match facts and head-to-head
- Al-Nassr are unbeaten this season
- Al-Ahli have lost just one of their last five home matches
- Both teams have scored in four of their last five meetings
Prediction
Both teams are in fine form and possess quality attacking options, making a prediction for a high-scoring affair very reasonable. Al-Nassr are deserved favorites, but Al-Ahli have what it takes to put up a real fight.
