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Cristiano Ronaldo will be watching from the sidelines of the Saudi Pro League this week as Rudi Garcia's Al Nassr take on Al Tai in an important clash at the King Saud University Stadium on Thursday.
The Portuguese superstar will not be able to make his debut for the club just yet, as he has to serve a two-game FA ban for smashing an Everton fan's phone.
Ronaldo knocked a teenage Everton fan's phone to the ground as he angrily left the pitch at Goodison Park towards the end of last season. He has since apologized for the incident.
Al Nassr vs Al Tai Preview
Al Nassr are currently at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings and have been in impressive form so far this season. The hosts edged Al Khaleej to a 1-0 victory in their previous game and will look to achieve a similar result this week.
Al Tai, on the other hand, are in seventh place in the league table at the moment and have been inconsistent this season. The away side thrashed Al Batin by a 4-0 scoreline last week and will be confident ahead of this fixture.
Al Nassr vs Al Tai Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Al Nassr have a good recent record against Al Tai and have won two of the last four matches played between the two teams, as opposed to Al Tai's one victory during this period.
- Al Nassr are one of only four teams to have suffered only one defeat in the Saudi Pro League - only Al Ittihad have a better record in this regard.
- Al Tai have scored 17 goals in their 11 league matches so far this season - the fifth-highest tally in this regard in the Saudi Pro League.
- With 819 goals as a professional, Cristiano Ronaldo is the most prolific goalscorer currently active in the sport but will not make his debut for Al Nassr on Thursday.
- Al Tai are one of only two teams in the Saudi Pro League that are yet to draw a match in the competition and will need to be at their best in this match.
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Al Nassr vs Al Tai Prediction
Al Nassr have made a statement of intent with Cristiano Ronaldo's signing and will look to make the most of their clout when the Portuguese talisman is available to play after the next two matchdays. He was unveiled to the fanbase this week and will be keen to make his debut in the coming weeks.
Al Tai can pack a punch on their day and have troubled big names in the Saudi Pro League in the past. Al Nassr are the better team on paper, however, and should be able to win this game.
Prediction: Al Nassr 3-1 Al Tai
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Al Nassr vs Al Tai Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Al Nassr
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals - Yes
Tip 3: Al Nassr to score first - Yes
