Esteghlal vs Al-Nassr Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds

The Saudi team will next face the Iranian team after drawing with Al-Shorta.

Esteghlal will face host Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr in the AFC Champions League as both teams will once again start their quest for the trophy in the competition. The Iranian side have just picked up eight points in seven matches this season so far and are 11 in the domestic league table. They come to this match on the back of a 3-0 defeat against Zob Ahan.

Esteghlal will have to pick themselves up if they are to pose any challenge to the Saudi side. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr are currently enjoying a winning run and will be looking to secure a win in their second AFC Champions League game against a struggling Esteghlal. The Cristiano Ronaldo-led side scraped to a 2-1 win against Al Shabab and continued to maintain their third place in the Saudi Pro League. But now they will put their emphasis on the next competition when they visit Al-Rashid Stadium.

Kick-off

Tuesday: 22 Oct, 9: 30 p.m. IST

Location: Al-Rashid Stadium

Form

Esteghlal: L-W-L-L-D

Al-Nassr: W-W-W-W-W

Players to watch

Esteghlal: Mehrdad Mohammadi

Mehrdad Mohammadi will need to step up in this important game. His side will face a tough opponent who will be looking to capitalize on their mistakes in the match. Mohammadi will have to show his goalscoring prowess and how he can change the dynamic of the match with his traits. It will be a big match for him.

Al-Nassr: Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo has opened his account in the AFC Champions League. His next opponent could provide the Portuguese with a big chance to increase his tally. He is coming on this game on the back of scoring the winning goal against Al Shabab and will hope to continue his scoring streak when they face Esteghlal.

Match facts

• Both teams last faced each other in March 2011 with Esteghlal winning 2-1.
• Esteghlal most scoring chances this season have come around 75-90 minutes.
• Al-Nassr’s last AFC Champions League match ended in a 1-1 draw against Al Shorta

Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: Al-Nassr to win.
• Tip 2: Cristiano Ronaldo to score.
• Tip 3: Esteghlal to score a goal.

Player and injury news

Esteghlal seem to have no injury problem going into this game. They will have a fully fit squad to face Al-Nassr.

Meanwhile, the Saudi-based team are set to miss Sami Al-Najei with a knee injury, while Sultan Al Ghanam is doubtful following a foot injury.

Head-to-head

Matches: 2

Esteghlal: 1

Draws: 0

Al-Nassr: 1

Predicted lineup

Esteghlal: 3-4-3

Khaledabadi; Moradmand, Fallah, Silva; Rezaeian, Ndong, Kakuta, Zakipour; Mohammadi, Blanco, Eslami

Al-Nassr: 4-2-3-1

Bento; Boushal, Simakan, Laporte, Najdi; Khaibr, Brozovic; Talisca, Otavio, Mane; Ronaldo

Prediction

Al-Nassr are a strong side but they should not underestimate Esteghlal as the Iranian side will be looking to take advantage of their shortcomings. The Saudi-based team should learn from their previous encounter against Al-Shorta and should make improvements if they want to win this match. It could be a one-sided clash and the Saudi team might win comfortably.

Prediction: Esteghlal 1-3 Al-Nassr

Live telecast

India – FanCode

UK – TBD

US – Paramount+

Saudi Arabia – bein SPORTS CONNECT, TOD

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