Al Diriyah v Al Nassr: Saudi King's Cup preview and team news

Al Diriyah will host Al Nassr at Al-Awwal Park in a Saudi King's Cup tie on 18th August, with the newly promoted side facing the defending Saudi Pro League champions.

Al Diriyah earned promotion from Division 1 after finishing second in last season's table and are competing in the top flight for the first time; they began their current league campaign with a defeat to Al Ahli. The two clubs last met in 2016 when Al Diriyah lost 0-7 to Al Nassr, and the Saudi King's Cup encounter presents a step up in opposition for the newcomers.

Form coming into the cup shows Al Diriyah (in all competitions): D-L, while Al Nassr (in all competitions): L-L-W. Al Nassr are regarded as clear favourites for the tie and are expected to rotate their squad in the cup under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, a appointment the club management view with optimism.

Al Diriyah will rely heavily on Laborde up front; the Frenchman, who joined the Saudi outfit last season, has played 26 matches and scored 24 goals for Al Diriyah and has represented France at various youth international levels. The preview describes Laborde as a clinical striker who will pose a threat to Al Nassr's defence.

Al Nassr's attacking options include a Portuguese talisman who enjoyed a strong debut season with the club, being crowned player of the league after playing 43 matches, scoring 24 goals and providing 17 assists last season. The club brought in Ange Postecoglou as head coach and expect to aim for improved outcomes under his guidance.

On team fitness, Al Diriyah do not have any injury concerns going into the fixture. Cristiano Ronaldo might miss this fixture; there aren’t any injury issues going into this fixture.

Projected lineups are Vasilj (GK); Faraj, Mbemba, Colley, Alawjami; Diandy, Gueye, Alqahtani, Koudou; Laborde, Rodriguez for Al Diriyah, and Bento (GK); Boushal, Martinez, Simakan, Al Nasser; Coman, Khaibari, Gabriel, Mane; Feliz, Hamdan for Al Nassr. Prediction: Al Diriyah 0-2 Al Nassr. FanCode will telecast this game live in India.