Prediction: Al-Taawoun vs Al-Nassr

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 11/25

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Al Taawoun will face Al Nassr in the Saudi Super Cup semifinal on Wednesday at the Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium.

Al Nassr were knocked out at this stage of the competition last year, while Al Taawoun make their return to the tournament after a five-year absence.

Al-Taawoun

Al-Taawoun finished in fourth place in the Saudi Pro League last season, which is a certainly a respect-worthy accomplishment, given that they are not among the Saudi clubs known for going after top stars of European football in the last year or two. All the more so due to the likes of Al-Ittihad and Al-Ettifaq finishing in lower places, five and 11 points behind, respectively.

This summer, their transfer activities have so far been done in a very modest way. They have signed midfielder Flavio from Trabzonspor, Mohammed Al-Kuwaykibi from Al-Ettifaq, as well as fellow winger Sultan Mandash from Al-Fayha, all on free transfers. They’ve also added midfielder Sultan Al-Farhan to their ranks, on loan from Al-Ittihad.

Under the leadership of Argentinian coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena, Al-Taawoun will have a difficult task of repeating last season’s success, but they shouldn’t lack motivation or self-belief.

Team News

Winger Mateus (Achilles tendon), as well as midfielders Mohammed Mahzari and Rakan Al-Tulayhi (both ACL), are unavailable for selection, and Arruabarrena will have to work around their absence.

Al-Nassr

Al-Nassr, meanwhile, finished 2023/24 second to Al-Hilal, with a gap of no less than 14 points separating them from the runaway champions.

They are, of course, among the Saudi clubs to have offered lucrative contracts to some of the most notable names in the world of football, including five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, former Liverpool star Sadio Mane, midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, the 99-cap Croatia international who spent eight and a half years with Inter Milan, and defender Aymeric Laporte, a six-time Premier League winner with Manchester City.

This summer, however, Al-Nassr have made only one signing so far, bringing in goalkeeper Bento from Athletico Paranaense for a reported fee of €18 million. The transfer window is, of course, still open, and it remains to be seen if Al-Nassr sign more players to boost the squad under the command of the experienced Portuguese tactician, Luis Castro.

Team News

There are a few players Castro won’t be able call upon for this game. Attacking midfielders Otavio and Talisca are struggling with muscle issues, and young striker Mohammed Maran has an unspecified fitness problem.

Conclusion

Despite the positives Al-Taawoun will have taken from the 2023/24 campaign, there is a significant gap in quality between these teams, and Al-Nassr really shouldn’t have too much difficulty in walking away with a win.

If they do, they’ll face either Al-Hilal or Al-Ahli in the competition final on Sunday.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 11/25

Bookmaker: ZetBet