On Friday night, Al-Nassr will host Al Ettifaq for round 21 of the Saudi Pro League in an attempt to continue their unbeaten streak.
With 44 points from 20 games, the Knights of Najd are now third in the rankings after winning their previous five games in the first division.
Al-Nassr is in scorching form going into Friday's match; they last lost league points on January 17 when they drew 1-1 against Al-Taawoun.
After defeating Al Khaleej, Al Fateh, Al Raed, and Al Fayha, Stefano Pioli's team went on to win 3-2 on their trip to Al-Ahli, extending their winning streak in the top division to seven games.
That result leaves Al-Nassr four points adrift of second-placed Al-Hilal, level on points with fourth-placed Al Quadisiya, and still eight behind Al-Ittihad, who sit at the summit. The Big Yellow's impressive run has been fueled by their attacking prowess, with 18 goals netted in their last seven league outings, bringing their tally to 43 — making them the third-most prolific side in the division.
However, their firepower was stifled last time out as the Riyadh-based outfit played out a goalless draw against Iranian side Persepolis in the AFC Champions League on Monday, halting a six-match winning streak across all competitions. Still, with their perfect record in the top flight intact, Al-Nassr will be confident of stretching their run, having won their last two meetings with Friday's visitors, including a commanding 3-0 triumph in September's reverse fixture.
In contrast, Al Ettifaq lost 2-1 to bottom-place Al Fateh last weekend, their eighth home loss of the season and their first league loss during the Steven Gerrard era.
Despite the defeat, the team has risen to 10th place in the rankings with 25 points, 11 points clear of the relegation zone, under new manager Saad Al-Shehri, who won his first two top-flight games in charge.
Despite having the lowest record in the division with just six points from ten games, Al Ettifaq has performed noticeably better away from home, earning 19 of a potential 30 points to place fifth among travelers.
For the first time since their 1-0 victory at Al-Awwal Park in October 2021, the visitors will be hoping that their strong away performance proves to be the difference as they attempt to avoid losing at Al-Nassr.
Al-Shehri's record since taking over is two victories, one tie, and two defeats. Al Ettifaq enters this match fresh off a 1-1 draw with Al Quadisiya in the AGCFF Gulf Club Champions League midweek.
