The 2024/25 season of the Saudi Pro League begins on Thursday, August 22 with Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr taking on Al Raed on the opening day.
The Portuguese star is the poster-child of the lucrative Middle Eastern League that has attracted some of the world's biggest football talents.
Al Nassr will be keen for a title push after losing the championship to Neymar's Al Hilal last season. Ronaldo's team suffered a 1-4 defeat to Al Hilal in the season-opening Saudi Super Cup final as well last week.
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The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Al Nassr vs. Al Raed live stream, TV channel in India
Here's how to watch this Saudi Pro League match in the India:
TV channel: Sony TEN 2, Sony TEN 2 HD
Live stream: SonyLIV
This game is available for live TV broadcast on Sony TEN 2 and Sony TEN 2 HD. Streaming options are available on SonyLIV.
What time does Al Nassr vs. Al Raed kick off in India?
This Saudi Pro League clash takes place at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and kicks off on Thursday, August 22 at 9:00 p.m. local time.
This translates to 11:30 p.m. IST.
Al Nassr vs. Al Raed lineups, team news
Al-Nassr have a full squad of players to chose from. Marcelo Brozovic rejoins the team after serving out his suspension period while Brazilian forward Anderson Talisca, who missed the latter part of last season due to a thigh injury, was a part of the team's pre-season camp.
Al Nassr predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Bento (GK) — Al Ghanam, Alawjami, Laporte, Telles — Al-Khaibari, Otavio — Yahya, Talisca, Mane — Ronaldo
Al Raed have secured the services of Saleh Al-Amri, on loan from Al Ittihad, and he could make his debut for the team at some point in the match.
The visitors will miss out on Zakaria Hawsawi, a new arrival at the club, because of a knee injury he suffered in May.
Al Raed predicted XI (4-3-3 right to left): Sunyur (GK) — Al Dossary, Gonzalez, Al Dosari, Al-Jayzani — Fouzair, Hazazi, Normann — Sayoud, El Berkaoui, Al-Ghamdi
Al Nassr vs. Al Raed prediction
With its petrodollars, the Saudi Pro League has attracted some of the top football talents in recent years. While Al Nassr's star-studded line-up includes the likes of Ronaldo and Sadio Mane, Al Raed is one of the more modest clubs in the League.
It is unlikely they will be able to match up to the quality and depth of hosts Al Nassr in Thursday's League opener.
Prediction: Al Nassr 3-1 Al Raed
Saudi Pro League fixture schedule this week
Thursday, August 22
- Al-Taawoun vs. Al Feiha (9:40 p.m. IST)
- Al-Wehda vs. Al-Riyadh (11:30 p.m. IST)
- Al-Nassr vs. Al-Raed (11:30 p.m. IST)
Friday, August 23
- Damac vs. Al-Khaleej (9:40 p.m. IST)
- Al-Ahli Saudi vs. Al-Orobah (11:30 p.m. IST)
- Al-Qadishiyah vs. Al-Fateh (11:30 p.m. IST)
Saturday, August 24
- Al Kholood vs. Al-Ittihad (9:40 p.m. IST)
- Al Akhdoud vs. Al-Hilal (11:30 p.m. IST)
- Al-Shabab vs. Al-Ettifaq (11:30 p.m. IST)
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