Al-Taawoun's Brazilian coach, Pericles Chamusca, has ended the uncertainty surrounding his starting lineup for the difficult match against Al-Qadisiyah, finalizing the players who will compensate for the significant absences in the "Sugar Boys" squad. This decision comes as the team prepares for the 24th round of the Saudi Professional League.

Shamouska decided to rely on the duo of Bassam Al-Harigi and Flavio to fill the void left by the absence of Mohamed Mahzari and Meshaal Al-Alaily, who are both suspended for the match due to accumulated yellow cards. The Brazilian coach aims to maintain the team's tactical balance, particularly in midfield and defense, by fielding Al-Harigi and Flavio, in order to secure a positive result against a tough opponent.

The importance of confrontation and the struggle for advanced positions

The match between Al-Taawoun and Al-Qadisiyah is of paramount importance to both teams in the league standings, as it is a direct confrontation between the fourth and fifth-placed teams. Al-Qadisiyah enters the match in a relatively comfortable position with 53 points in fourth place, making them a fierce competitor seeking to secure their place in the top four and compete for qualification to continental championships.

Meanwhile, Al-Taawoun, currently fifth with 40 points, aims to close the gap and prove their ability to compete with the leading teams. This match will be a true test for Shamouska's squad, especially given the absences, requiring a high level of tactical discipline to secure all three points or at least a draw away from home.

The competitive context of the Roshan League

This match comes at a time of fierce competition in the Saudi Professional League's crucial final rounds, as clubs strive to improve their standings before the season's final stages. Al-Taawoun's fans are placing great hope in coach Shamouska's tactical acumen in handling unforeseen circumstances and absences, a quality for which he has become known throughout his career in Saudi football, where he excels at utilizing available players to serve the team's best interests.

Match date

The highly anticipated match between Al-Qadisiyah and Al-Taawon is scheduled to kick off at 10:00 PM on Saturday, with Al-Taawon visiting Al-Qadisiyah in a match that promises plenty of competitiveness and football excitement.

Manchester United are facing a huge financial burden of up to $22 million as a tax for the decision to sack their former Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim, according to official financial data released by the club, which currently occupies fourth place in the English Premier League standings.

Details of the financial burdens at Old Trafford

A formal report filed by Manchester United with the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday revealed the financial implications of the coaching staff's departure. This disclosure came just one day after the club announced operating profits of $43.98 million for the second quarter ending December 31, 2025. The club described the dismissal as a "post-reporting event," explaining that an $8.50 million write-off of related intangible assets would be recorded, along with a $21.45 million provision representing the maximum possible future settlement payments, which will appear in the profit or loss statement for the second half of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

Context of dismissal and administrative crisis

Ruben Amorim's 14-month tenure at Old Trafford came to an end on January 5th, following a scathing public attack on the club's management, which hastened his departure along with his five assistants. Reports indicate that the settlement amount ($21.45 million) is contingent on certain conditions, including whether the 41-year-old manager secures a new job within a specific timeframe, which could reduce the compensation payout.

Money hemorrhage and technical instability

These figures highlight the enormous sums Manchester United has spent on managers in recent years. The calculations show that the club previously paid Sporting Lisbon $8.5 million in compensation for the appointment of Amorim, and had confirmed in a previous report in November 2024 that they paid $13.49 million to secure his services. Adding the $14.03 million cost of dismissing his Dutch predecessor, Erik ten Hag, the total cost of Amorim's appointment and departure alone could reach approximately $50.32 million – a figure that reflects the club's administrative and managerial instability.

The disastrous performance and the return of hope with Carrick

Technically speaking, Amorim's tenure was one of the most difficult in the club's modern history; he won just 25 of the 63 matches he managed, finishing the previous season in 15th place – United's worst finish since their relegation to the Second Division in 1973-74. The crisis was compounded by a major falling out with director of football Jason Willcox just days before his final game against Leeds. However, the team's morale was revived under interim manager Michael Carrick, who guided them to fourth place after an impressive run of five wins and a draw, reigniting fans' hopes of Champions League qualification for next season.

Saudi football fans will be glued to their screens on Saturday evening as Al-Nassr travels to Al-Majma'ah Sports City Stadium to face Al-Fayha in a crucial match for both sides. This encounter is of paramount importance to Al-Nassr, who are looking to extend their impressive winning streak and maintain their lead at the top of the table, while Al-Fayha will be aiming to capitalize on home advantage and secure a positive result to solidify their position in the mid-table.

History of confrontations and Al-Nasr's advantage

Looking at the statistics and history, Al-Nassr clearly holds the advantage in the head-to-head record between the two teams in the Saudi Professional League. They have met 15 times previously, with Al-Nassr dominating, winning 10 matches, while Al-Fayha managed only one victory, and four matches ended in a draw. In terms of goals, Al-Nassr's attack has found the net 31 times against Al-Fayha, while Al-Fayha's attack has scored only 11 goals, reflecting the historical disparity in skill between the two sides.

The two teams' positions in the standings

Al-Nassr enters the match sitting atop the Roshan League standings with 58 points, accumulated from a remarkable run that included 19 wins, one draw, and only three losses. The team is enjoying a period of high technical stability, having achieved nine consecutive victories that have allowed them to secure their place at the top, and they aim to achieve their tenth consecutive win today. Meanwhile, Al-Fayha occupies eleventh place with 27 points, having recorded seven wins, six draws, and ten losses, and they hope to improve their position and distance themselves completely from the relegation zone.

A squad of stars and continental achievements

Al-Nassr will rely on a formidable array of international stars in this match, spearheaded by Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo and his compatriot João Félix, in addition to a strong defense comprised of Frenchman Mohamed Simakan and his compatriot Kingsley Coman, Brazilian Angelo Gabriel, Croatian midfield maestro Marcelo Brozović, Senegalese star Sadio Mané, and the outstanding full-back Sultan Al-Ghannam. This match comes just before Al-Nassr's anticipated quarter-final clash against Al-Wasl of the UAE in the AFC Champions League, presenting the coach with the challenge of balancing the league title race with preparations for the Asian competition.

Al-Fayhaa... the ambition of surprise

On the other hand, Al-Fayha cannot be underestimated, having recently shown improved form, recording four wins and a draw in their last seven matches. The team boasts players capable of making a difference, such as Panamanian goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera, experienced English defender Chris Smalling, Spaniard Jason Remeseiro, talented Algerian Yacine Benzia, Venezuelan Mikel Villanueva, the dangerous Zambian Fashion Sakala, and Guinean Alpha Semedo. This match will be a true test of Al-Fayha's ability to compete with the top teams and confirm their recent resurgence.