Al-Nassr take on Goa tomorrow. Read our in-depth preview here…
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Preview for Al-Nassr v Goa
Al-Nassr will look to solidify top spot in Group D of the AFC Champions League 2 tomorrow when they play host to Indian side Goa.
The Saudi club have a 100 per cent record after three games and won 2-1 at Goa last month.
They did so without star man Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portugal striker is again expected to be rested by coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo scored twice as Al-Nassr made it seven wins from seven to start the new Pro League season at the weekend, albeit it came in controversial fashion with the home team awarded a penalty 14 minutes into stoppage time of the clash with Al-Fayha.
It was a morale-boosting win following the midweek King’s Cup exit against Al-Ittihad.
They will next face a Goa side that have won two of their last three Super Cup games to ease into the semi-finals of the domestic tournament. They are, however, without a point in the continental competition.
Coach Manolo Marquez is desperate for his players to give a good account of themselves in Riyadh.
The Spaniard said: “It’s an honour for us to play these kinds of games, not only for the players, but for all FC Goa fans and for Indian football as a whole. These are moments everyone will remember for a long time. But we’re not here just to admire the stadium or the occasion; we’re here to compete in the best possible way against a big team like Al-Nassr.
“We’ve earned this opportunity through a lot of hard work, last season and in the early part of this one. From beating Al-Seeb in the preliminary round to reaching the Super Cup semi-finals, we’ve met our early objectives. Now we’re in a good moment, the team is confident, and we want to enjoy ourselves on the pitch, but most importantly, we’re here to compete and try to win.”
Team News for Al-Nassr v Goa
Ronaldo has yet to play in this competition this season and it seems likely he will again be rested. Al-Nassr will still be able to call on a host of other top international players such as Sadio Mane and Pro League top-scorer Joao Felix, although Jorge Jesus may opt to leave both men on the bench.
Predicted line-ups for Al-Nassr v Goa
Al-Nassr: Bento; Al Ghannam, Al Amri, Martinez; Wesley, Al Hassan, Angelo, Ghareeb, Yahya; Marran, Camara
Goa: Tiwari; Jhingan, Moreno, Kharbudon; Thangjam, Sangwan, Singh, Herrera; Tavora, Drazic, Siverio
How to watch Al-Nassr v Goa: TV and online streams
Al-Nassr v Goa kicks off at 6.15pm UK time tomorrow night. It is not available on TV but you can stream it on the AFC Hub YouTube channel.
Stats for Al-Nassr v Goa
- In the reverse fixture, Goa’s Brison Fernandes scored the first goal by an Indian team in the AFC Champions League Two
Prediction for Al-Nassr v Goa
It depends largely on the XI named by Jorge Jesus but, either way, Al-Nassr ought to be too strong for their Indian opponents.
Prediction: Al-Nassr 2-0 Goa
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: 101greatgoals.com
