Al-Nassr for title: 9 predictions for 2022-23 SPL season

RIYADH: The 2022-2023 season of the Saudi Professional League is almost upon us and there are, as always, lots of questions. Arab News looked into the future and attempted to predict this season’s major issues.

Champions: Al-Nassr

It is the toughest call of all, but of the contenders, Al-Nassr are the ones who have really strengthened over the summer.

The club finished strongly last season with 16 points from the last six games and it went almost unnoticed that they finished just six points behind the champions Al-Hilal.

The three big signings look very good on paper. David Ospina in goal, full-back Ghislain Konan, and midfielder Luis Gustavo all have good experience in the big leagues and if they settle then Al-Nassr should take some stopping.

Much depends on new coach Rudi Garcia, but he has worked at huge clubs such as Roma and Lyon and will not be fazed by taking on Al-Hilal.

Add attacking talent such as Pity Martinez (2018 South American player of the year), Talisca, who was a standout last season, and Vincent Aboubakar, top scorer at the last Africa Cup of Nations, and Al-Nassr have all the ingredients in place for title No. 10. Add to that good local talent, including an improving Ayman Yahya, Abdulrahman Ghareeb, Sultan Al-Ghanam, and Abdulelah Al-Amri.

With no Champions League commitments, it is all looking very promising for the Riyadh club.

Second place: Al-Hilal

Only once in the past decade has Al-Hilal finished outside the top two and it is unlikely to happen this time around. Every season, the Riyadh giants target first place, just like last season when they won title No. 18.

This summer’s transfer ban means that coach Ramon Diaz has not been able to strengthen his squad, however. There have,