Roster, statistics, preview, television, streaming, predictions on Cristiano Ronaldo's return to the Saudi Pro League

Al Fateh vs Al Nassr Preview

Al-Nassr can cut Al-Hilal's lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League to one point when they visit Al-Fateh on Saturday in a match expected to be dominated by the return of Cristiano Ronaldo for the away team.

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo is set to return for the first time in four matches, having expressed his displeasure at the club's lack of transfer activity before the Saudi transfer window closed.

The future of coach Jorge Jesus also remains uncertain, with the Portuguese out of contract at the end of the season and missing numerous press conferences since the start of the saga.

If Ronaldo is to return in style, the top scorer in the history of men's football will likely have to help break down an Al-Fateh team in a low block with a knack for counter-attacking effectively.

Al-Fateh also has a Portuguese leader in Jose Gomes, whose team suffered a 9-0 defeat in his second game in charge of Al-Hilal de Jesus in 2024.

Although this remains the heaviest defeat of Gomes' managerial career, Al-Fateh have a respectable record this season of six wins and eight defeats in 20 league matches, including a 2-1 win over Al-Hilal in November.

They are without a win in six matches, but drew on February 7 against fourth-placed Al-Qadsiah when winger Matias Vargas scored his sixth league goal of the campaign to take their tally to eight in total.

A surprise victory would move Al-Fateh above Al-Khaleej into ninth place and keep Al-Nassr third, one point behind Al-Ahli.

Al Fateh vs Al Nassr Team News

Mourad Batna has scored four goals this season, but the Al-Fateh winger has not played since being injured in the 1-1 home draw against Al Hazem on February 1.

That could give 21-year-old Wesley Delgado a chance to shine, while 34-year-old former Moroccan central defender or defensive midfielder Marwane Saadane could be crucial if the underdogs are to secure a first clean sheet in eight matches.

Striker Fahad Al-Zubaidi is on loan from Al-Nassr but is expected to play.

Attacking midfielder Sami Al-Najei and striker Saad Haqawi are doubts for Al-Nassr, for whom Ronaldo has scored 17 league goals this season.

This places the 41-year-old third in this regard behind Julian Quinones (18) of Al-Qadsiah and former England striker Ivan Toney (19) of Al-Ahli.

Influential defender Mohamed Simakan has returned to full fitness.

Lineups planned between Al Fateh and Al Nassr

Al Fateh starting lineup: Fernando Pacheco, Saeed Baattia, Jorge Fernandes, Marwane Saadane, Abdulaziz Al-Suwailem, Zaydou Youssouf, Naif Masoud, Fahad Al-Zubaidi, Sofiane Bendebka, Wesley Delgado, Matias Vargas

Al Nassr starting lineup: Bento, Sultan Al-Ghannam, Mohamed Simakan, Inigo Martinez, Salem Al-Najdi, Marcelo Brozovic, Angelo Gabriel, Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix, Sadio Mane, Cristiano Ronaldo

How to watch Al Fateh vs Al Nassr: TV channel, live stream online

Kick-off on Saturday will be at 5:30 p.m. GMT (12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT). In the UK, the leading Saudi broadcast channel is the Saudi Pro League YouTube Channel.

In the United States, FOX Sports is the live broadcaster of the Saudi Pro League.

Al Fateh vs. Al Nassr stats

• Al-Fateh have failed to win eight of their last nine home matches against Al-Nassr
• Their total of 26 goals in the division this season represents an average of 1.3 per game.
• On average, Al-Fateh have conceded almost two goals per home league game in 2025/26.
• This gives them the 15th best home defensive record in the division.
• With an average of 12.6 fouls suffered per match, Al-Fateh is the most fouling team in the division.
• Al-Nassr won 14 of 23 meetings between the teams, losing three times
• They have won four of the last five editions of the competition.
• Averaging 2.5 goals per league match, Al-Nassr have totaled 51 in the top flight this season.
• With the second best away record in the division, Al-Nassr averages over two goals per away game.
• They have allowed the fewest shots in the league, conceding on average just 6.7 attempts per game.
• Ronaldo has scored in his last four consecutive appearances against Al-Fateh, including a hat-trick in 2023
• In total, Ronaldo has eight goals in six games against them
• João Felix scored a hat-trick as Al-Nassr won the reverse fixture 5-1 in October, joined on the scoresheet by Ronaldo and Kingsley Coman
• Sofiane Bendebka responded in this match, with Ronaldo he misses a penalty and Sadio Mané delivers two assists