Al-Nassr stars are at risk of missing the Al-Ittihad derby due to accumulated yellow cards
The coaching staff of Al-Nassr's first football team is experiencing a state of extreme anticipation and caution just hours before the start of the 20th round of the Saudi Professional League. This comes amid fears of losing key players to the team before the crucial upcoming match against Al-Ittihad in the Saudi football classic.
Five Al-Nasr players under suspension
Five of Al-Nassr's key players face the risk of suspension and forced absence from the upcoming top-of-the-table clash: Iñigo Martínez, Sultan Al-Ghannam, Ayman Yahya, Angelo Gabriel, and João Félix. These players need to approach the match against Al-Riyadh with extreme caution to avoid accumulating yellow cards, which would automatically rule them out of the Al-Ittihad game.
Al-Nassr is scheduled to be a tough opponent for Al-Riyadh tomorrow (Monday) at 6:15 PM at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh. This match is considered a tactical "trick," as the team aims to secure a victory without risking the fitness of any of its key players before the crucial match against Al-Ittihad next Friday at 8:30 PM at Al-Awwal Park Stadium.
Tactical preparations and complex calculations
On the technical front, coach Jesus is putting the final touches on his plans for the Al-Riyadh match, with the team concluding their preparations today (Sunday) with a key training session. The coaching staff aims to finalize the starting lineup through these sessions, hoping to secure the three points and reach 46 points overall. They are also striving to balance attacking impetus with defensive caution to avoid yellow and red cards, especially as the team currently sits in second place with 43 points and needs every point in the title race.
The importance of El Clásico and the impact of absences
Matches between Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad hold immense historical and popular significance, with this classic encounter considered one of the strongest matches in the Arab region and the Middle East. Historically, matches between the two teams are characterized by intense rivalry and excitement until the final whistle, making the presence of all key players crucial for any coach seeking to secure a victory.
In the context of the current competition in the Saudi Professional League, which is witnessing a qualitative leap and attracting some of the world's top stars, the absence of any influential player could shift the balance of power. The three points in the Al-Ittihad match are doubly valuable; they not only strengthen the team's position in the standings but also provide a tremendous morale boost in their quest for the title, thus placing pressure on the players who are at risk of losing to play with exceptional mental focus against Al-Riyadh.
