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It would be hard to describe this season as anything other than a car crash for Chelsea, as back-to-back hammerings from Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League have all but ended the Blues' chance of European qualification.

There is still the League Cup final to come, but with the Anfield outfit as their opponent, it is hard to see how they'll be lifting that come full-time.

While there are plenty of problems at the club, one of the biggest is their frontline's inability to finish their chances.

Nicolas Jackson has become infamous for his myriad of misses this season, and what makes it worse is the club's failure to sign a replacement they were heavily linked with last month, a man who would've given them a chance at Wembley and formed a brilliant partnership with Cole Palmer.

Close but no Cigar

Now, clubs like Chelsea are often linked with a multitude of players every transfer window, and while a significant portion of these stories are nothing more than rumours, the links to Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres last month seemed genuine.

Things looked even more real when it was revealed that the Blues had made a £73m bid for the Swedish international halfway through the window.

However, with a release clause worth closer to £86m, the Portuguese giants were unwilling to accept the offer, so Todd Boehly and Co appeared to call it quits.

While this decision to walk away might have been wise from a financial point of view, considering the reluctance to spend from English clubs, it also seriously handicapped what the club could achieve on the pitch for the rest of the season.

Gyokeres could have turned Chelsea's season around

Now, unfortunately for Chelsea, their season has gone so poorly this year that in this case, 'turning it around' would likely just mean qualification for the Conference League and potentially winning the League Cup at the expense of Liverpool; while you may think that's unlikely, Gyokeres' goal record speaks for itself.

In 25 appearances for Sporting across all competitions this season, the former Coventry City ace has scored a remarkable 21 goals and provided nine assists, meaning he is averaging a goal involvement every 0.83 matches.

What makes it more impressive is that he is not being flooded with chances either, as his 15 league goals have come from an expected goals figure of 10.9, and his 12 non-penalty expected goals come from a non-penalty expected goals figure of 8.5.

In short, the dynamic "powerhouse", as described by data analyst Ben Mattinson, has been consistently overperforming his expected goals figure this season. In contrast, Jackson has seven league goals from a figure of 10.8, which would explain why he has picked up a reputation for being profligate.

Had the Blues just pushed the boat out that little bit more last month and signed the "unplayable" 25-year-old, as former teammate Maxim Biamou described him, then the talismanic Palmer would have had a genuine poacher to work with at the top of the pitch.

The former Manchester City gem has been one of the few bright spots in the Pensioners' bleak season, but his creative numbers have been impacted by his teammate's inability to finish the chances he creates.

For example, he only has four assists in 20 league appearances this season, but an expected assists figure of 5.4 demonstrates that he could be even more involved in Chelsea's play with a clinical frontman.

Chelsea can replace Poch with one of Europe's "most talented young coaches"

The 42-year-old has been turning heads all season.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Feb 5, 2024

Ultimately, this could be a transfer miss that really comes back to bite the Blues and potentially even cost Pochettino his job. After all, goals win games, and Gyokeres brings goals.

Liverpool have reportedly sent scouts to watch an attacking "mastermind" in action under the tutelage of none other than rumoured new manager Xabi Alonso.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds have been linked with several summer signings in recent days, as they look to freshen up their squad at the end of the season, with a new manager set to be arriving at Anfield.

One exciting rumour that has emerged surrounds Barcelona's 16-year-old sensational Lamine Yamal, who Liverpool are believed to be in pole position to sign in a massive £85m deal this summer. He already has five goals and assists apiece for the La Liga giants.

Leroy Sane is also a player who could be available come the end of the current campaign, with no agreement in place with Bayern Munich over a new deal and the Reds' interest potentially turning his head.

Lloyd Kelly and Antonee Robinson, of Bournemouth and Fulham respectively, are two defenders who have been backed to join Liverpool, too, with the former available on a free transfer in the summer.

Liverpool keeping tabs on Alonso pupil

According to a fresh update from HITC, Liverpool sent scouts to watch Florian Wirtz in action last weekend, as his Bayer Leverkusen side picked up a huge 3-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga title race.

"HITC Football understands that, as Leverkusen stormed five points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table with a thumping 3-0 win over the reigning champions, Xabi Alonso is not the only Bay Arena favourite with admirers on the red side of Stanley Park.

"HITC has been informed that scouts working on behalf of Liverpool were also in the stands to keep tabs on a number of players. Florian Wirtz, arguably the most exciting young attacking midfielder in Europe, is liked by Liverpool. As is Piero Hincapie. The talented, left-sided centre-half was a target last summer, as confirmed by his agent."

Wirtz is a player of unbelievable potential, so the idea of Liverpool snapping him up is mouthwatering, especially as he is currently playing under Alonso, who is the front-runner to be Jurgen Klopp's replacement at Anfield. The Spaniard has even compared his player to Lionel Messi, which says so much about his ability:

"Why is Messi so good? Because he knows how and when to play simple passes. Messi says: 'You're in a better position? Here, there you have the ball!' It's not always about making the most brilliant move, but the best and smartest. Florian can do that. That's why he's so good."

At just 20, Wirtz has been one of Leverkusen's star players this season, helping them top the Bundesliga table by five points. He has scored five goals and registered eight assists in the competition, not to mention getting two and four in the Europa League respectively.

Liverpool could unleash Salah in a new role by hiring "unique" manager

This boss would be the perfect Xabi Alonso alternative.

ByAngus Sinclair Feb 12, 2024

Liverpool will have money to spend this summer, with the report mentioning the funds not used on Moises Caicedo last year, and the German ace could be a sensational addition, having been hailed as a "mastermind" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has shared some news on West Ham United and technical director Tim Steidten's transfer plans for January.

West Ham tipped for busy January

As reported elsewhere, West Ham are backed to be one of the busier sides in January, with defender Thilo Kehrer already sealing a loan move to Monaco for the rest of the season.

West Ham now ready to meet asking price for attacker who "impressed" Mane

The former Liverpool star has previously tipped him for stardom.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jan 4, 2024

Both in terms of incomings and outgoings, other reliable media sources like Fabrizio Romano have stated that West Ham chiefs have been working on this transfer window long before its official opening. It is believed that the Hammers could make multiple new signings this month (Wayne Veysey), including a new striker and centre-back, with West Ham believed to hold an interest in Wolves defender Max Kilman.

Supporters are eager to hear about West Ham bringing in a new number nine in particular, though, especially after they failed to replace Gianluca Scamacca last summer.

Michail Antonio's injury, combined with David Moyes' lack of faith in Danny Ings, has forced star winger Jarrod Bowen to play a makeshift striker role for large parts of the campaign.

While the Englishman has shone in that position, there is very little cover behind him, barring youngster Divin Mubama and Ings. West Ham, like half of Europe, are therefore taking a real liking to Stuttgart star Serhou Guirassy.

The Guinea international's sensational 2023/2024 season has turned heads from all over the continent, with Guirassy netting 17 league goals in just 14 Bundesliga appearances so far.

ExWHUemployee shares Guirassy to West Ham update

Speaking on his West Ham Way podcast, reliable club insider Ex has shared an update on West Ham's chances of signing the in-form striker this month. He says transfer chief Steidten has worked on signing Guirassy for West Ham, but the competition for his signature is fierce given the £15 million release clause in his deal.

“As we have reported for some time, Serhou Guirassy is still a top target for the club this January,” said Ex.

“Tim Steidten has worked on this potential deal, although I must stress there are many others keen on the player.

“Not only has his performances attracted other top clubs to look at the player, but the fact he’s got a £15m release clause makes the competition for his signature fierce. Another stumbling block is the player is part of the Guinea side at the AFCON, although they are not expected to advance far due to a tough group they are in.”

Barring his goals, Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has also called Guirassy a "leading figure" in his club's dressing room.

"He is very strong physically," said Plettenberg to Sky.

"He knows how to score and he is known as a leading figure in the dressing room. However, what you do have to say is that it is a very good first season. So, there is a chance it is a one-season wonder but I'm not sure that will be the case.

"He's a good age, very experienced and very focused. He also has good and tough management in the background."

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Mexico have a new manager in Javier Aguirre with Barcelona legend Rafael Marquez named as his assistant after a disastrous Copa America campaign.

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• Aguirre returns as Mexico head coach
• Will be in charge until after the 2026 World Cup
• It will be his third stint in the Mexican dugout

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Following a disappointing group stage exit at the 2024 Copa America, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) parted ways with Jamie Lozano. They have now appointed Aguirre as the new manager with former Mexico captain Marquez serving as his assistant.

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• GOAL
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Aguirre, who previously led the Mexican national team to the round of 16 in the 2002 and 2010 World Cups, returns for a third stint with a wealth of experience and a strong track record. The 65-year-old is set to guide the team through the 2026 World Cup as co-hosts before handing over the reins to Marquez – who recently ended his stint as the manager of Barcelona B.

• WHAT MEXICO FA SAID

  The FMF expressed confidence in their new appointments, with Duilio Davino, director of national teams, stating: "Javier has a strong track record, with experience and undisputed leadership in team management, while Rafa has great skill in talent development. [Aguirre] is without a doubt the Mexican coach with the longest and most recognized career abroad and he also has in-depth knowledge of the processes in national teams.

  "Rafa is one of the most important players in Mexican history with a great national and international career who began his coaching career with an emblematic team. We have offered him to be the assistant until 2026 so that he can contribute his knowledge and then assume the leadership."

• DID YOU KNOW?

  In a historic run, Aguirre led Mallorca to the 2023-24 Copa del Rey final, where they lost on penalties to Athletic Bilbao with the two teams locked at 1–1 after extra time.

Smith united with Labuschagne, his like-for-like replacement in more ways than one

Daniel Brettig in Manchester04-Sep-2019First, there was Steven Smith. At Edgbaston and Lord’s, through three consecutive innings after his return from the Newlands scandal ban, he drove England’s bowlers to distraction. They tried all manner of plans, field placings, too many really, without much at all in the way of success. Two centuries went by and a third beckoned, even as Jofra Archer cranked up his pace on an up-and-down pitch, angling the ball back down the slope.Watching, waiting, anticipating and perhaps dreaming a little, was Marnus Labuschagne. No-one in the Australian squad more closely resembled Smith’s voracious pursuit of batting knowledge, skill and method, with both as likely as each other to keep teammates awake in the middle of the night with the sound of their bats tapping on hotel room carpet, miming shots for the next day. Labuschagne was watching closely when Archer homed in on Smith, felt the jolt alongside 28,000 spectators, and rushed for a vantage point to see if he was ok.Struck down but not out, Smith returned briefly, distractedly, having passed concussion tests in the immediate aftermath of the blow. He did not fare as well the following morning, and as he netted in reserve on the Nursery Ground ahead of the final day’s play, Labuschagne was given the word from the captain, Tim Paine: he was in as Smith’s substitute. Having removed one obstacle, England found another immediately. Labuschagne, too, was hit by Archer, but only on the helmet grille. His resultant half-century scrounged a draw.More was to come at Headingley, in two innings from Smith’s customary post at No. 4. Thrice Labuschagne passed 50, runs that could have, indeed should have, been enough to secure an Australian victory at Leeds and retained the Ashes there and then. If he was the beneficiary of several dropped chances in a second innings of 80, his first-day contribution of 74 out of 179, when conditions were at their hardest, more than compensated for this good fortune. At the end, cruelly, one of Ben Stokes’ match-winning sixes floated a matter of centimetres beyond Labuschagne’s hands on the boundary.Watching it all was Smith, leavening his pain at the result with appreciation of its extraordinary circumstances. Each day of the Leeds Test he gradually increased his level of activity, batting under the studied eye of the team doctor Richard Saw, before facing pace bowlers and taking part in a tour match against Derbyshire. Throughout, he tried to get used to the addition of a protective stem guard to the back of his helmet, even though it wade him so claustrophobic as to feel as though his head was inside an MRI machine. Nets against throwdowns were deemed, subconsciously, as more useful preparation than match batting against Derbyshire spin.In Derby, Smith and Labuschagne played together and did not bat together, but they did not have long to wait. Chosen and Nos. 3 and 4, displacing Usman Khawaja, they trained together pre-match, Smith sidearming balls down at Labuschagne, who also enjoyed the rare sensation of having Steve Waugh clean mud out of his spikes. “A bit surreal, I had Steve Smith throwing sidearms to me for 30 minutes,” he said. “I love talking to him about the game and learning off him, obviously a great experience and a great player. I’m taking it all in as much as I can.”For all the shuffling of Australia’s top order to try to secure a better start, none could be found at Manchester. Again, the openers were separated before the score was into double figures, David Warner edging Stuart Broad when trying to leave him alone for the second time in the series. Marcus Harris, looking a little more comfortable, was nonetheless figured out pretty quickly by Broad, who quite obviously targeted the line of the stumps and won an lbw verdict before the score had reached 30.Also read: The key to Broad’s edge over WarnerLabuschagne had looked comfortable once more from the moment he arrived, leaving the length ball well outside off stump and scoring from anything that drifted either full and wide or too straight onto his stumps and pads. He had spoken before the series of sculpting a game very much around making lots of adjustments within lots of plans for every bowler in every set of conditions, eschewing the time-honoured Australian line of “playing my natural game” for something more scientific.Smith, of course, had rather pioneered this method among contemporary Australian batsmen, keeping at least one step ahead of the world’s bowlers for most of the last six years. Together, they were a hive mind of ideas, adjustments and tweaks, all done within the context of a moving ball and an English pitch. They have one inbuilt advantage, that of being right-handed and so denying Broad and Archer the chance to bend the ball away from them from around the wicket in the manner Warner, Harris and Khawaja have had to contend with, but the rest is skill and forethought.Perhaps the most obvious counter offered up by Smith was in how he played Archer’s bouncers, choosing to ensure he took evasive action to the off side of the ball, to eradicate the chance of him being hit by a delivery that follows him as he tries to sway back away from it. If the Old Trafford pitch was not yet a speedy one, and Archer was somewhat short of his best, the bouncer caused Smith zero trouble at all, leaving Joe Root and company with yet more thinking to do. At the other end, Labuschagne could only admire it.Steve Smith (right) and Marnus Labuschagne bat together at last•Getty Images

“One thing he’s very good at [is problem solving], I see that at the other end but I think you can see that as a spectator,” he said. “When different guys come on, how he changes, different guards, the way he bats, different pre-movements and I think that’s what makes him the best in the world. He’s always one step ahead and thinking ahead, not waiting, not being reactive, he’s being proactive, which makes him very hard to bowl to because he’s always thinking ahead.”We were constantly talking out there about what the bowlers are trying to do, what he’s trying to do and we’re thinking similarly and trying to think about where they’re trying to get us out and stuff like that. Always trying to learn off everyone really, it doesn’t matter whether your’e a batter or bowler, just trying to learn different things off different people and trying to make sure you’re always open to learning off anyone.”It was good fun, good to have some time. I’d never batted with him before so it was a good experience to see how he goes about it and learn from him out there.”Late in the day, heavy winds swept through a shower that was intense enough to have the umpires virtually suspend play, only for the same wind to have it disappear so quickly that Craig Overton, having twice stopped in his run to the wicket due to the rain, ended up bowling uninterrupted. So stop – start was the day that it looked made to ruin a batsman’s concentration, but Labuschagne’s well is clearly deep. When Overton did finally bowl, he dabbed the resultant delivery neatly down through third man to the boundary, and at the end of the over walked down the pitch gesticulating repeatedly how the ball had skidded off the surface.It was a mannerism instantly familiar – not from Labuschagne, but from the man at the other end. Amid the broken nature of this wet and windy day, Labuschagne and Smith were the ideal men for Australia to have in the middle, not only as their leading run-makers this series but as two cricketers never happier than when cocooned at the batting crease. And even though Labuschagne did allow one through his guard in the closing overs, granting Overton access to the top of the off stump, Australia had the platform for the 300-plus score coach Justin Langer has so craved this week.A deal reportedly struck between Labuschagne and Smith after Edgbaston – for the younger man to clean up Smith’s bag at the end of each Test in return for a couple of the former captain’s bats – may need revision should this century stand be the bulwark of the victory Australia need. There will be a few other members of the Australian top six who, on the basis of their runs together, might do well to clean up the bags of Smith and Labuschagne both.

Joe Gomez has been a key member of the Liverpool squad ever since signing for the Premier League club in the summer of 2015 from Charlton.

Following his arrival, the 24-year-old has gone on to represent England, as well as winning multiple titles for Liverpool, including a Champions League crown and Premier League title – and he still arguably hasn’t reached his peak years yet.

Gomez has made 139 appearances for the Reds in all competitions, and this is despite suffering major injuries which have ruled him out for significant periods of time – missing practically the whole of the 2015/16 season and undergoing ankle surgery twice.

In his 85 appearances in the Premier League, he has kept 32 clean sheets and has a 73% tackle success rate. Add to this the fact that he hasn’t made an error leading to a goal in these 85 matches and the stats show Liverpool have an extremely solid defender at their disposal.

This even led manager Jurgen Klopp to label him a “sensational footballer” during the side’s title-winning campaign in 2020.

His market value has soared in his seven years as a Liverpool player. The £3.5m signing now has a Transfermarkt value of a whopping £19.8m, showing just how impressive he has been for the team.

In March 2020, as Liverpool stood on the cusp of glory, his value sat at a staggering £37.8m while he was just 22. And, although it has slipped since then – largely due to injuries and Klopp rotating his squad – Gomez is still to enter his peak as a defender.

While Klopp is constantly trying to evolve his side, with his recent recruitment being excellent with attackers such as Luis Diaz and Diego Jota settling in extremely well, he won’t need to sign a centre-back for some time.

The £75k-per-week Gomez is at the perfect team in order to continue developing and you wouldn’t bet on him adding to his 11 England appearances in the near future too.

AND in other news: Klopp could unearth next Konate by unleashing “incredible” £450k-rated gem

RCB’s captain batted in the nets for close to 30 minutes without visible discomfort, and is “going well”, according to their team director

Ashish Pant16-May-20254:12

Bobat: Break was disruptive but afforded rest for players

With Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) enjoying one of their best seasons in recent times before IPL 2025’s week-long suspension, their overseas players were “adamant” to “come back and finish the job”, according to their team director Mo Bobat.RCB are currently second on the points table with eight wins and three losses. They have 16 points, the same as table-toppers Gujarat Titans, and one more win will guarantee a playoffs spot.Related

Heavy rain forecast could ruin IPL restart in Bengaluru

RCB and KKR kick off business end of league phase

Shepherd and Livingstone rejoin RCB squad

Tim David boost for RCB as they look to seal playoffs spot

WTC final-bound South Africa players to miss IPL 2025 playoffs

“We spoke quite a lot with our overseas guys even before they went and most of them were pretty adamant that they were keen to come back and finish the job,” Bobat said ahead of Saturday’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). “We’ve had a good season so far, they want to come back and do that.”Like every other team, RCB have been scrambling to reassemble their squad ahead of the tournament’s resumption on Saturday, but they have managed to get all their overseas players back barring Josh Hazlewood, who is nursing a shoulder injury.Bobat did not divulge too many details about the availability of Hazlewood, who missed RCB’s last game before the suspension of the league. He confirmed that Rajat Patidar was recovering well from a finger injury in his right hand. Patidar, the RCB captain, batted in the nets for close to 30 minutes without any visible discomfort ahead of the KKR clash.3:14

Which overseas players are returning, and for how long?

“With Josh, as you’ll probably be aware, he’s our only player not here at the minute. He’s recovering from his shoulder niggle that he had,” Bobat said. “He’s doing that with Cricket Australia. Obviously, our medical team and their medical team have been liaising on what that detail looks like. He’s just taking that day by day and he’s trying to improve.”Patidar had an injury to his hand. He’s been building up ever so slowly. For him personally, probably the disruption gave him a few more days just to get through some of that early healing, for the swelling to go down and to get used to picking up [the bat] again. He’s practiced the last few days and he’s going well.”While RCB are likely to have a near full-strength squad for their first two league matches, they might need to bring in reinforcements once the playoffs arrive, should RCB make it. Jacob Bethell has been named in England’s squad for the West Indies ODIs and will fly back before RCB’s final group match in Lucknow. Lungi Ngidi is also only available until the end of the league stage, having been named in South Africa’s World Test Championship (WTC) final squad.”Obviously, we’ll lose Jacob Bethell and lose Lungi after a couple of games. So, there’s an obvious impact there,” Bobat said. “We’ve obviously got [Nuwan] Thushara in the squad, an international bowler chomping at the bit. Also, Rasikh Dar, a good bowler. So, we’ve got options in the squad, so certainly no concerns.”Over the next few days, we’ll think about potential replacements. There’s a bit of clamour for that at the minute and lots of teams are doing that. I prefer not to push these things, so we’ll just take our time and have a think about it.”

Ashley Sanchez has opened up on her disappointment at being left out of the United States women's team at last year's World Cup.

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Sanchez expected to play at World CupWas told she would be dropped to the benchPlaymaker was devastated by the decisionWHAT HAPPENED?

The North Carolina Courage playmaker believed she would have an important role when she was called up for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand. However, she was disappointed to be told that she would instead spend the tournament on the bench as then-coach Vlatko Andonovski preferred to start Savannah DeMelo and then Rose Lavelle following her return from injury.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT SANCHEZ SAID

She told the podcast: "I was told that I wasn’t going to play. I was trying to make the best of a situation, but it was definitely hard. When I was in it, I was [thinking], you don’t want to look back and have such a negative idea of something that you dreamed of your whole life, you know? But when you’re in the moment, you’re trying so hard to think of the positives, but you’re also like: 'Yeah, but I’m here, I worked my a*s off to be here, and I know I’m not going to play'.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The USWNT crashed out of the competition at the Round-of-16 with a penalty shootout defeat against Sweden. Sanchez soon returned to the NWSL and played a starring role for the North Carolina team, though it took some time to get over her World Cup disappointment.

She said: "I felt like I’m going to come back, I’m just gonna play really great and prove everyone wrong, and then I was just kind of like: ‘Oh, I think I actually need to deal with this'. It’s not just going to go away because you’re playing well, you know? And that was probably…I hadn’t gone through anything that hard, I would say."

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR SANCHEZ?

The 25-year-old has made 27 appearances for the USWNT and registered three goals and four assists. She will hope to play a key role this summer when Emma Hayes takes charge of the team ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris.

Tyson Fury's reported purse for the Oleksandr Usyk heavyweight title fight in Saudi Arabia is set to rival Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr salary.

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Fury to face Usyk in Saudi Arabia clashBritish boxer to receive huge purse for fightSet to rival Ronaldo's Al-Nassr salaryGetty Images WHAT HAPPENED?

According to talkSPORT BET, Fury will earn around £115 million ($145m) for undisputed world heavyweight boxing title fight with the Ukrainian on Saturday. That is not too far shy of Ronaldo's eye-watering salary of £131m ($166m) per 10-month season for the Saudi Pro League side.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ronaldo is one of the richest athletes on the planet. The 39-year-old has played for many of the biggest teams on the planet and has won much of the sport's biggest trophies. His wealth has only increased since moving to Saudi Arabia and it is clear as time goes by, other sports stars will cash in on the funds available in the Gulf state – such as Fury.

talkSPORTDID YOU KNOW?

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani is the next nearest rival to the British boxer, pocketing around £36.3m ($46m) across the 2024 MLB season – just a third of Fury’s payout. Just behind him is Formula One champion and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, who will receive £35.5m ($45m) for this season.

WHAT NEXT?

Ronaldo, who is a big boxing fan and may be at Fury's fight with Usyk on Saturday evening, will be in action for Al-Nassr on Friday evening at home to league leaders Al-Hilal in a top of the table clash. The visitors are 12 points ahead of Ronaldo's team heading into the game.