Al Gharafa vs Al Nassr Lineups, prediction, betting tips & odds
The Knights of Najd eye a convincing win over the Qatari outfit.
In the serene charm of Al Khor where the allure of local delicacies like machboos and luqaimat tantalise the senses and Al Khor Corniche provide a backdrop of unmatched beauty, the Matchweek 5 of Group B fixtures of the AFC Champions League Elite takes us to the Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar where Al Gharafa are set to lock horns against Al Nassr FC.
Al-Gharafa FC currently hold third place in the Qatar Stars League, with five wins, three draws, and two losses. They trail league leaders Al-Duhail by just four points, keeping them firmly in contention for the top spot. In the AFC Champions League, however, their campaign has been challenging, as they sit sixth in Group B with four points from a win, a draw, and two defeats.
As they prepare to face Al-Nassr, Al-Gharafa will aim to capitalize on their home advantage to secure a vital victory. A win would boost their chances of advancing to the knockout stages, and they will rely on tactical discipline and a determined performance to overcome the Saudi giants.
Al-Nassr currently sit third in Group B of the AFC Champions League Elite, with three wins and a draw. A victory against Al-Gharafa FC could propel them to the top. Domestically, they are 3rd in the Saudi Pro League, trailing Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad but remaining competitive with standout performances from stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane.
Under Stefano Pioli’s leadership, Al-Nassr will aim to secure a crucial win to strengthen their knockout stage prospects. Known for their attacking depth and midfield control, they will seek to exploit Al-Gharafa’s vulnerabilities and assert their dominance in both the group and the tournament.
KickOff:
Monday, November 25, 2024 at 9:30 PM IST
Venue: Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar
Form
Al Gharafa (in all competitions): W-L-D-W-D
Al Nassr (in all competitions): W-W-D-L-D
Players to watch out for:
Joselu (Al Gharafa)
Joselu, or Jose Luis Mato Sanmartín, the towering 6’3″ striker from Stuttgart, began his footballing journey with Celta Vigo’s B team before progressing to Real Madrid‘s reserve side. His career path has taken him through notable clubs like Eintracht Frankfurt and Newcastle United, showcasing his knack for finding the back of the net.
After a brief loan spell with Real Madrid in 2023-24, Joselu joined Al-Gharafa in 2024. He has since made nine appearances for the Qatari side, scoring four goals. At 34, he continues to utilize his experience and aerial dominance to bolster his team’s attacking prowess.
Marcelo Brozovic (Al-Nassr)
Marcelo Brozovic, the Croatian midfield maestro from Zagreb, began his career with NK Hrvatski Dragovoljac, where he made 22 appearances and scored a goal. His move to Inter Milan in 2015 marked a career-defining phase, as he became a pivotal figure, amassing over 261 appearances and 25 goals. In 2023, he joined Al-Nassr, where he has already made 38 appearances and scored four goals.
A cornerstone of the Croatian national team, Brozovic has earned 99 caps, contributing significantly to their rise as a global football powerhouse. With his defensive stability and tactical intelligence, he remains a key player for both club and country, consistently delivering top-tier performances.
Match Facts:
- Al Gharafa are coming after a 3-1 win over Al Wakrah
- Al-Nassr won two of their last five matches.
- Al Gharafa lost only one of their last five matches.
Al Gharafa vs Al Nassr: Betting Tips and Odds:
- Al Nassr to win.
- Cristiano Ronaldo to score first.
- Al Gharafa 1-3 Al Nassr
Injuries and Team News:
The home team are set to miss the presence of Mostafa Essam, Hyun soo Jang and Asim Madibo in the upcoming game.
The visitors will miss the services of Talisca and Sami Al-Najei in the next game.
Head To Head stats:
Al Gharafa and Al Nassr are set to lock horns against each other for the very first time. This could be the first of the many encounters between these sides.
Predicted Lineup:
Al Gharafa predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):
N’Diaye (GK); Yousif, Traore, Sano, Hamed-Mayor; Diaz, Sassi; Coman, Al-Ganehi, Brahimi; Joselu
Al Nassr predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
Bento (GK); Al-Ghanam, Simakan, Alawjami, Boushal; Otavio, Brozovic; AG, Ghareeb, Mane; Ronaldo
Match Prediction:
Both teams are in sublime form so far and are equally capable enough to get the better of each other. We expect the away side to secure their place in the finals after a win in a tightly contested semi-final.
Prediction: Al Gharafa 1-3 Al Nassr
Telecast Details:
India – Fancode
UK – TBD
USA – Paramount+
Nigeria – beIN SPORTS CONNECT
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