Al-Nassr vs. Neftchi Fergana prediction: Ronaldo is chasing a record
For the Saudi club, this is a chance to bounce back after a disappointing start, while the visitors will look to prove that they can compete even against one of Asia's most star-studded squads.
What condition are the teams in?
Al-Nassr come into the game after a painful 0-4 defeat to Al-Ain in the opening round. Angelos Postecoglou's side suffered a serious blow to their ambitions: even the presence of Ronaldo, João Félix and Sadio Mané could not prevent a heavy defeat. Now, playing at home, the Saudi club need not only to claim three points but also to show that the collapse in the UAE was merely a one-off.
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Neftchi enjoyed a much more positive start. The Fergana club defeated Iraq's Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya 1-0 to earn their first three points. Of course, the trip to Riyadh will present a test of an entirely different magnitude, but the Uzbek side have already shown that they know how to get results in difficult matches.
What can we expect from the game?
The hosts will surely look to seize the initiative from the opening minutes, get the ball into the penalty area more often and make the most of the individual quality of their attacking players. Ronaldo will be one of the main targets for deliveries, while Neftchi will most likely have to focus closely on defending and look for opportunities on the counterattack.
At the same time, the visitors should not be written off in advance. After conceding four goals to Al-Ain, Al-Nassr need to fix their defensive issues, and any additional pressure on the favourites could give the Uzbek club extra opportunities.
Al-Nassr look like clear favourites thanks to home advantage and the superior individual quality of their players. I expect the hosts to attack in numbers and ultimately secure victory.
The match will be played on October 12 at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh.
My prediction: over 3 total goals.
