Postecoglou set to resist changes as Al Nassr visit Al-Faisaly

Al Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou is expected to name an unchanged side against Al-Faisaly on Friday, despite his team’s unconvincing victory over NEOM in their previous Saudi Pro League match.

Al Nassr will travel to Al-Majma’ah Sports City Stadium for their 11th league fixture of the season, aiming to remain in pursuit of leaders Al-Qadsiah and second-placed Al Hilal.

Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah reports that Postecoglou intends to retain the starting XI that began Tuesday’s match against NEOM. Al Nassr won that game 1-0 at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, but were made to work hard for the result.

The Australian coach has reportedly decided against making any alterations, with injuries continuing to affect the squad. French defender Mohamed Simakan and winger Kingsley Coman remain unavailable.

Al Nassr are third in the Saudi Pro League standings with 22 points. They are three points behind leaders Al-Qadsiah, who have played one more match, and two points behind Al Hilal in second place.

Al-Qadsiah and Al Hilal will meet at the end of Friday’s schedule, giving Al Nassr the opportunity to apply pressure on both clubs with another win.

Postecoglou’s expected Al Nassr line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Bento Matheus

Defenders: Nawaf Boushal, Inigo Martinez, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Ayman Yahya

Midfielders: Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Angelo Gabriel, Seko Fofana

Forwards: Sadio Mane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix