Al Shorta vs Al Nassr Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast | AFC Champions League Elite 2024-25

The new look AFC Champions League format looks interesting this season. 

Al Shorta had an impressive campaign last term. They secured the domestic double under their then coach Momen Soliman who left the club this summer. The Iraqi champions now find themselves against Al Nassr in the opening match of this AFC Champions League Elite West group.

They will be playing eight matches in this round with four home and four away. Al Shorta will have to finish in the top eight position to move to the knockout stages. 

Al Nassr despite making several high-profile signings have failed to make their mark this season. Although they are unbeaten in the league, Luis Castro’s side find themselves in the sixth position after matchday three. Pressure is mounting on Castro’s shoulders to turn the team’s fortune.

The Knight of Najd will now turn their focus to AFC Champions League Elite with the new look-format set to see more games this term for the group phase. 

Kick-Off:

Monday, 16 September 2024 at 5:00 PM UK, 9:30 PM IST

Location: Al-Madina International Stadium

Form:

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

Al Nassr (in all competitions): W-L-D-W-D

Players to Watch

Idrissa Niang (Al Shorta)

The Senegalese international has emerged as one of the important players in the side after playing a crucial role in achieving the double last season. At 32 years old, he is an experienced head who brings defensive stability to the side. He can be seen shielding the back four by making timely challenges and tackles while also helping the team build an attack. With Al Nassr playing mostly on the counter, he will be crucial in breaking up the play with his positioning. 

Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)

Cristiano Ronaldo seems to be enjoying playing football again after scoring 900-plus goals in his career. After failing to win this competition last term, the Portuguese megastar will be aiming to finally win it this time. He has already started the new season in brilliant form after scoring two goals from the opening three matches. However, Luis Castro might rest him at some point in the game to keep him fresh for the next match. 

Match Facts

• Al Shorta suffered a 1-0 loss to Al Nassr last time when they faced each other
• Al Nassr are unbeaten in their last three matches
• This will be the second meeting between these two teams

⁠Al Shorta vs Al Nassr: Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: Cristiano Ronaldo to score a goal anytime
• Tip 2: Al Nassr to win this game 
• Tip 3: Match to end with goals under 3.5

Injury & Team News

Al Shorta have a fully fit squad to choose from. 

Al Nassr have one major concern in their squad. Sami Al-Najei is a major doubt for this match after recovering from a knee injury. Luis Castro will likely field a strong eleven with pressure mounting on his shoulders. Although we may see some players given rest at any point in time. 

Head-to-Head

Total matches – 1

Al Shorta – 0

Al Nassr – 1

Draw – 0

Predicted Lineup

⁠Al Shorta predicted lineup (4-4-1-1):

Fadhil (GK); Jasim, Hashem, Younis, Yahya; Khudhair, Niang, Coumbassa, Farhan; Saleh; Al-Mawas

Al Nassr predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Bento (GK); Al Ghanam, Simakan, Laporte, Al Najdi; Otavio, Brozovic; Ghareeb, Talisca, Mane; Ronaldo

Match Prediction for Al Shorta vs Al Nassr

We have an exciting contest on the horizon as the Iraqi side take on Saudi powerhouse Al Nassr in the first round of the competition. We expect the visitors to win here given the quality of players they have in their squad. However, you cannot underestimate the home team as they can prove to be tricky with home advantage in their favour. 

Prediction: ⁠Al Shorta 0-2 Al Nassr

Telecast Details

India –  FanCode

UK – TBD

US –  Paramount+

Nigeria – TBD

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.