Al-Nassr Aim for Fourth Straight Win Against Al-Taawoun

Ange Postecoglou has shown his hand. Al-Nassr are not easing off.

Chasing a fourth consecutive victory in the Roshn League, the Australian coach has named an aggressive, front-foot line-up to face Al-Taawoun on Friday evening, intent on protecting a perfect start to the season.

Three games, three wins, nine points. Al-Nassr arrive in form and in full voice, still buzzing from that wild 3-2 triumph over Al-Ettifaq – a comeback carved out despite playing most of the match with 10 men. That result did more than add three points; it hardened belief inside the dressing room that this team can ride out chaos and still find a way.

Now comes another examination of those title credentials.

Al-Aqidi back in goal

There is one enforced change at the back. With Brazilian goalkeeper Bento Matheus suspended after his red card against Al-Ettifaq, Nawaf Al-Aqidi steps in for his first start of the season.

It is a familiar role, but not a gentle reintroduction. Al-Aqidi returns straight into a high-pressure fixture, with Al-Nassr expected to dominate the ball yet remain alert to counters. Postecoglou has trusted him with the gloves; the message is clear – the standard must not dip.

In front of him, the defensive line stays settled: Salem Al-Najdi on the right, Nawaf Boushal on the left, with Mohamed Simakan and Abdulelah Al-Amri paired at centre-back. It is a back four built to defend high and recover quickly, a necessity in Postecoglou’s expansive system.

Ronaldo leads a ruthless front line

Up the pitch, the names speak for themselves.

Cristiano Ronaldo starts again, retaining his place in the XI for the second straight match after beginning against Al-Ettifaq before being withdrawn at half-time. This time he leads the line from the first whistle, flanked by Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman in a front three that oozes pedigree and end-product.

Behind them, Joao Felix pulls the strings as the creative hub, supported by Samu Costa and Angelo Gabriel in midfield. Felix was central to the stirring fightback against Al-Ettifaq, and his form between the lines gives Postecoglou the kind of unpredictability that can unpick deep, stubborn defences.

Al-Nassr’s starting line-up vs Al-Taawoun:

• Goalkeeper: Nawaf Al-Aqidi
• Defence: Salem Al-Najdi, Mohamed Simakan, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Nawaf Boushal
• Midfield: Samu Costa, Angelo Gabriel, Joao Felix
• Attack: Sadio Mane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kingsley Coman

The balance is obvious: a solid base, technical control in midfield, and a front line capable of deciding games in a single burst.

Title statement on the line

Postecoglou has made no secret of his intent. He wants the winning run to stretch on, the perfect record to stay untouched, and the performances to match the ambition of a club built to compete at the very top.

Al-Taawoun arrive as a fresh obstacle, the kind of opponent that can turn a fast start into a real title push or expose early-season flaws. But Al-Nassr carry serious firepower. Ronaldo, Mane, Coman, and the in-form Felix give them multiple routes to goal and the kind of star quality that bends tight matches their way.

If Al-Nassr clear this hurdle with that record still intact, the Roshn League title race will start to feel very familiar: one of the heavyweights already setting the pace, daring the rest to keep up.