Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad: Kick-off time, how to watch, team news

Al Nassr faces Al Ittihad in a highly anticipated Saudi Pro League match, marking the first major test for both teams in the 2025-26 season. Both sides have started the season impressively, remaining unbeaten after three matches, with Al Nassr currently leading on goal difference (+11 compared to Al Ittihad's +6). This clash is crucial as Al Nassr aims to challenge the defending champions for the title.

Al Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo who is eager to win his first league title, has demonstrated dominance early in the season. Under coach Jorge Jesus, the team has conceded only one goal in three league games and is the highest-scoring side, reinforced by a 5-0 victory over Istiklol in the AFC Champions League Elite. Their strong defensive and offensive form makes them a formidable opponent.

Al Ittihad, managed by Laurent Blanc, began the season with attacking flair but has faced challenges due to a hamstring injury to star striker Karim Benzema. This has led to a dip in scoring, with recent results including two narrow 1-0 wins and a surprising 2-1 loss to Al Wahda in the AFC Champions League Elite. Benzema's availability remains doubtful, raising questions about their ability to regain their goal-scoring touch against Al Nassr.

The match is scheduled for Friday, September 26, at 8:00 p.m. CAT (9:00 p.m. Saudi time) at the Al Inma Bank Stadium in Jeddah. It will be broadcast on ESPN Africa across Sub-Saharan Africa and on FanCode in India, with live updates available on ESPN. Viewers can tune in via DStv channels 218 and 219 or StarTimes channels 248 and 249.

In terms of team news, Al Ittihad has Karim Benzema listed as doubtful due to a hamstring injury. Al Nassr will be without defender Saad Al Nasser (knee) and goalkeeper Nawaf Alaqidi (hamstring), both ruled out. The predicted lineups feature key players such as Predrag Rajkovic in goal for Al Ittihad and a strong attacking lineup for Al Nassr, highlighting the depth of talent on both sides.