03 March 2023 , 09:16
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It's fair to say Cristiano Ronaldo is enjoying himself in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo, 38, has scored eight goals and provided two assists in just five Saudi Pro League games since joining Al-Nassr in January. The Portugal international has taken the division by storm and will be looking for more goals against Al-Batin on Friday evening.
With Ronaldo leading their attack, Al-Nassr are tipped to comfortably beat their next opponents. The leaders are two points clear of Al-Ittihad in second and will be sensing a first league title in four years is on the way. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the game.
What time is kick-off?
Al-Nassr take on Al-Batin at Mrsool Park, their home ground, on Friday evening.
The game will kick off at 5:30pm UK time (GMT) and 8:30pm local time.
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Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr are back in action on Friday evening (Getty Images)Who are you backing to win? Let us know in the comments below!
Where can I watch Al-Nassr vs Al-Batin?
Viewers in the UK can watch Al-Nassr vs Al-Batin for FREE on the Sky Sports Football YouTube page. Coverage is expected to start at 5:30pm - at kick-off.
Friday evening's game is also available to stream live on Shahid. Monthly plans cost £15.49 per month, while an annual package is available for £154.99.
Al-Nassr vs Al-Batin preview
Al-Nassr are top of the Saudi Pro League (Getty Images)Al-Nassr are expected to pick up three points against Al-Batin. The Saudi minnows, who won promotion in 2020, have picked up just six points from their opening 18 league fixtures this season - winning just once. They are rooted to the bottom of the table.
Having said that, Al-Batin did win their first game of the campaign last time out - beating Ettifaq 1-0 at home. Al-Nassr last faced the struggling side in September, when they won 4-0 thanks to goals from Luis Gustavo, Talisca, Sami Al-Najei and Abdulrahman Ghareeb.
Al-Nassr's margin of victory could be even bigger on Friday evening thanks to Ronaldo's presence. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was named as the Saudi Pro League's Player of the Month in February following his blistering start. Few could complain with that call.
Ronaldo insisted that his work in Europe "is done" during his unveiling as an Al-Nassr player two months ago. He will aiming to mark his time in the Middle East with silverware.
"I won everything, I played at the most important clubs and for me now it is a new challenge in Asia," said Ronaldo. I'm grateful that Al-Nassr have given me this opportunity to show and develop not only for the younger generation, but for the women's generation.
"Its a challenge but I'm very proud... I can say now I had many opportunities in Europe, many clubs in Brazil, Australia, USA, even in Portugal many tried to sign me. But I gave my word to this club not only to develop the club, but the country."
Even if Al-Nassr miss out on the title, Ronaldo will be confident of winning the Saudi Pro League's Golden Boot despite only joining the division in January. His Al-Nassr team-mate Talisca is the leading scorer with 13 goals - leaving Ronaldo just five behind.
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