Nassaji Mazandaran vs Al Hilal: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Mazandaran Tigers host Saudi giants in their first-ever home game in the AFC Champions League

Nassaji Mazandaran are making their debut in the AFC Champions League group stage, and they will be looking to make a good impression against one of the most successful clubs in Asian football, Al Hilal. The Saudi giants are the runners-up of the last edition of the competition, and they will be eager to start their campaign with a win.

Nassaji Mazandaran come into the match on the back of a two-game winning streak in the Iran Pro League. They will be hoping that their home advantage can help them to overcome Al Hilal. Al Hilal, on the other hand, will be looking to continue their winning streak in the Saudi Pro League. They have a star-studded squad and will be confident of getting a win against the debutants Nassaji Mazandaran.

Kick-Off:

Tuesday, 3 October 2023 at 4:00 PM GMT (9:30 PM IST)

Location: Azadi Stadium

Form

Nassaji Mazandaran (in all competitions): D-L-W-W

Al Hilal (in all competitions): D-D-W-W

Players to watch in Nassaji Mazandaran vs Al Hilal:

Mohammad Reza Azadi (Nassaji Mazandaran):

The 24-year-old is an exciting, menacing forward who can pose real problems for centre-backs. He is swift with his movement, and can cause troubles with his runs into the final third. He has been a part of the first team, thanks to his presence on the field. In the 5 matches he has played in all competitions he has scored 2 goals, one of them was scored against Mum bai City Fc in the first matchday of the League. Azadi is a tall and strong striker who is good in the air, he is also a good finisher and has a good eye for goal.

Aleksandar Mitrovic (Al Hilal):

The former Fulham striker does not have the same boasting trophy cabinet and UEFA Champions League-winning credentials as some of the players in his team that have moved across to the Middle-East this past summer. He is the leading goalscorer for his team in the Saudi Pro League, he has scored 6 goals in 6 matches in the league, and is yet to open his account in the AFC Champions League. He will be looking to continue his good form and help Al Hilal win their second match of the AFC League.

Match facts:

• Nassaji Mazandaran will play for the first time at home on Tuesday, the hosts will face a Saudi team for the first time in a competitive match
• The visitors are winless in their last three games in the Champions League, scoring twice while conceding thrice.
•  Al Hilal against Iranian teams have 19 wins, with 10 of them coming away from home.

Injury & team news

Nassaji Mazandaran are without their forward Ahad Jamshidi, the young striker has only played one game this season and is expected to miss till next month. Al Hilal, on the other hand have a full healthy squad ahead of this clash. All the superstars are available to play in the second match of the AFC Champions League.

Head to Head

No previous head-to-head record as both the sides meet each other for the first time.

Predicted lineup for Nassaji Mazandaran vs Al Hilal:

Nassaji Mazandaran predicted lineup:

Mazaheri; Hosseini, Mohammadzadeh, Houshmand, Janmaleki; Rahmati, Babaei; Hardani, Abassi, Zamehran; Azadi

Al Hilal predicted lineup:

Bono; Abdulhamid, Koulibaly, Al Bulaihi, Al-Shahrani; Neves, Milinkovic-Savic; Malcom, Neymar, Al-Dawsari; Mitrovic

Match prediction for Nassaji Mazandaran vs Al Hilal:

Nassaji Mazandaran have just one win in their last 11 home games in all competitions, which is a cause for concern. Al Hilal are unbeaten in their last 10 matches across all competitions, recording seven wins. They have won five of their last six away games and head into the match in good form. Considering the form and squad, Al Hilal will come out as winners unless Mazandaran have other plans.

Prediction: Nassaji Mazandaran 1-2 Al Hilal

Telecast

India – Fancode

UK – FITE

US –  Paramount+