Al Nassr will be seeking a first win in four matches to revive their title hopes when they host Al Riyadh in the Saudio Pro League on Friday.
Two AFC Champions League group stage draws were far less damaging to the side captained by Cristiano Ronaldo than the top-flight result that came in between them, when Al Nassr lost 3-0 at Al Hilal in their last league game.
That gave Al Hilal a 13th win from 15 in the Saudi Pro League, preserving their unbeaten record in style and moving them seven points clear at the top of the table with almost half of the season gone.
It also means Al Nassr have precious little for any more dropped points, starting with the visit of 13th-placed opponents in a local derby.
The Sporting News is following the match live and providing updates and highlights below.
MORE: Why Ronaldo missed AFC Champions League road match vs Istiklol
Al Nassr vs Al Riyadh live score
| 1st half | Goal scorers | |
| Al Nassr | — | — |
| Al Riyadh | — | — |
Starting lineups:
Al Nassr: TBC
Al Riyadh: TBC
Al Nassr vs Al Riyadh live updates, highlights, commentary
1 hour 20 mins to kickoff: New Cristiano Ronaldo shirt incoming…
Al Nassr will be debuting their new kit today 👀🆕#yallaRSL pic.twitter.com/FOuIM4rra5
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) December 8, 2023
1 hour 40 mins to kickoff: Al Riyadh enter this game on a three-match unbeaten run, although they’ve drawn two of those – most recently a goalless stalemate with Al Hazm on November 30.
⏳ Nine o’clock.. Our appointment is at Al-Awwal Park 🏟❤#RiyadhFC pic.twitter.com/zsSF9PaFdR
— Al-Riyadh Saudi Club (@AlRiyadhFC_EN) December 8, 2023
2 hours to kickoff: Hello and welcome to The Sporting News’ live coverage of today’s Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr vs Al Riyadh. We’ll have build-up, team news and live coverage coming up as Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane’s side aim to get their league season back on track following their 3-0 defeat at leaders Al Hilal.
Al Nassr vs Al Riyadh lineups
Ronaldo is expected to captain Al Nassr in this match after being rested for the draw in Tajikstan. Castro rotated the majority of his side for that game, with a spot in the AFC Champions League already secured, and Ronaldo nursing a neck injury.
The Portuguese superstar is back in training and should join a list of recalls including Sadio Mane and Talisca.
Al Nassr projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Alaqidi (GK) — Al Ghanam, Laporte, Lajami, Telles — Brozovic, Al-Khaibari — Mane, Otavio, Ghareeb — Ronaldo.
Al Riyadh head into this game on the back of a three-match unbeaten run in the Saudi Pro League, and head coach Odair Hellman will go with minimal changes, with Juanmi and Andre Gray the standout names for the visitors.
Al Riyadh projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Campana (GK) — Al-Shuwayyi, Arslanagic, Al-Rashidi, Al-Khaibari — Toure, Ndong — Juanmi, Al-Shehri, Gray — Al Abbas.
Al Nassr vs Al Riyadh live stream, TV channel
| TV channel | Streaming | |
| USA | Fox Soccer Plus, Fox Deportes | Fox Sports app/website |
| Australia | — | 10 Play |
| Canada | — | DAZN |
| UK | — | DAZN |
| India | Sony TEN 2 | JioTV, Sony LIV |