Al Shorta vs Al Ahli Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | AFC Champions League Elite 2025-26

Nine points separate the two sides on the points table.

Matchday 6 of the AFC Champions League Elite will take us to the Zawra Stadium, where Al Shorta will host the reigning champions, Al Ahli, in a high-stakes encounter.

The home side are currently placed in 11th spot in Group B and have only managed to secure a single point in this competition so far. They are on the brink of elimination. They can only proceed to the next round if they can secure wins in all of their remaining three fixtures.  

Al Ahli, on the other hand, are currently sitting at the fourth spot in Group B. With three wins, one draw, and one loss, they have registered 10 points to their name in the opening five matches. They lost 1-0 against Sharjah on the previous matchday but followed that up with a win over Al Qadisiyah in the Quarter-finals of the King’s Cup.  

Kickoff:

Location: Baghdad, Iraq

Stadium: Zawra Stadium

Date & Kick-off Time: Dec 22 – 11:45 pm IST/6:15 pm GMT/01:15 pm ET/10:15 am PT 

Referee: Not decided

VAR: In use

Form:

Al Shorta (in all competitions): L-W-L-W-L

Al-Ahli (in all competitions): W-L-W-W-W

Players to watch out for:

Dominique Mendy (Al Shorta)

Despite Al Shorta’s struggles, Dominique Mendy has played some excellent football on an individual level. He dictates the tempo of the play effortlessly and is known for his technical ability on the ball. The Senegalese also possesses the ability to make smart runs into the box and find the back of the net with his effective finishing.

Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli)

The former Manchester City player has scored four goals and registered seven assists in all competitions this season. Riyad Mahrez is technically gifted and is very dynamic with his dribbling. The Algerian is also very creative and can find his teammates in good goalscoring positions.

He will be given the responsibility of taking Ahli over the line against Al Shorta.

Match Facts:

• The last game between these two teams ended in a 5-1 win for Al Ahli.  
• Al Shorta lost 4-0 against Al Hilal in their last game.
• Al Ahli won 5-4 on penalties against Al Qadsiah in their last game.  

Al Shorta vs Al Ahli: Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: The visitors to win – 1.57 by Stake
• Tip 2: Both teams to score – 1.72 by Dafabet
• Tip 3: Expected Goals – Over 2.5 – 1.68 by 1XBET

Injury and Team news:

Bassam Shakir and Moises Lucas will be unavailable for the home side due to their respective injuries.

The visitors, on the other hand, will be without Abdullah Otayf for their clash against Al Shorta.

Head-to-Head:

Total matches: 5

Al Shorta won: 1

Al Ahli won: 4

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups:

Al Shorta (4-4-2)

Ahmed(GK); Younis, Yahya, Ashabi, Saadoo; Ali, Mendy, Amin, Subaihawi; Ateba, Farhan

Al Ahli (4-1-4-1)

Mendy(GK); Dams, Ibañez, Demiral,  Majrashi; Edoa; Galeno, Gonçalves, Kessié, Mahrez; Toney

Match Prediction:

Considering the ongoing form of both sides, Al Ahli are the clear favourites and are expected to clinch all three points against Al Shorta.

Prediction: Al Shorta 1-2 Al Ahli

Telecast details:

India: FanCode

Saudi Arabia: Thmanyah, beIN Sports

Japan: DAZN

China: iQIYI

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