"Looking like another disaster", "Getting cooked" - Fans unhappy with Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr teammate's inclusion in XI for King's Cup clash
Al-Nassr fans are conveying their displeasure on X after Stefano Pioli opted to include Cristiano Ronaldo's teammate Ali Alhassan in the starting XI to face Al-Taawoun. The two Saudi sides are set to face each other in the King's Cup of Champions Round of 16 at Al-Awwal Park later tonight (Tuesday, October 29).
Bento starts in goal for Al-Nassr. Nawaf Boushal, Mohamed Simakan, Aymeric Laporte, and Salem Al-Najdi make up the defense. The midfield consists of Ali Alhassan, Marcelo Brozovic, Angelo, Wesey, and Anderson Talisca. Cristiano Ronaldo returns to the starting XI to lead the attack.
Sadio Mane and Otavio miss out on the starting XI with Alhassan replacing the latter due to a reported injury. However, the 27-year-old defensive midfielder is yet to impress this season. He has made just five appearances across competitions, playing just 78 minutes of first-team football.
One fan reacted by posting:
"Bruhh no Sutan no Party… this is looking like another disaster class with Al Hassan in the middle"
Another fan tweeted:
"Getting cooked"
Check out how other fans reacted below:
"I will never forgive Pioli if we lose this match," one fan commented
"Al nadji is dog**** in defence and Boushal is a lb who plays in the rb because they don't want to play sultan, ali hassan is the one who scores the own goals is in the lineup," another added
"Al Hassan wtf," one fan posted
"Watching al nassr after week and this is team this MFS can't be serious the midfield is gonna get overrun easily talisca don't track back don't run don't provide workrate,Hassan is s*** technically and everything, brozovic is gonna get pissed this game fs the gaps will be open..." another predicted
Al-Nassr will be depending on Cristiano Ronaldo to return to winning ways following recent draw against Al-Kholood
Al-Nassr's title hopes took a massive blow after they were held to a 3-3 draw against Al-Kholood in their Saudi Pro League fixture on October 25. Stefano Pioli chose to rest Cristiano Ronaldo, which proved to be a costly mistake.
Myziane Maolida netted a brace, while Jackson Muleka also got on the scoresheet for newly-promoted Al-Kholood. Al-Nassr had to fight hard for a point with Aymeric Laporte and Anderson Talisca scoring a brace, including a late penalty in stoppage time to spare their blushes.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be hoping to continue his excellent form against Al-Taawoun tonight. The 39-year-old has scored nine goals and provided three assists in 11 appearances across competitions.