Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the AFC Champions League match.
Iraqi underdogs Al-Shorta will be hoping to claim their first points of the AFC Champions League campaign, banking on the possibility of being underestimated by the favourites. Al-Ittihad, meanwhile, are desperate to get their continental season back on track after a shaky start.
Al-Shorta
Al-Shorta have squeezed the maximum from a modest domestic run — three league wins over bottom-half sides, secured through late goals and penalties. In the AFC Champions League, they have taken just one point from two games, scoring once from an xG of 2.86 and conceding three with an xGA of 2.27. Their squad is made up entirely of local players, without the financial means to attract international stars.
Al-Ittihad
Al-Ittihad are enduring a rough patch with only two wins from their last six matches, including two defeats in the Champions League. Yet they continue to create chances — four goals from an xG of 6.35 tells its own story of wastefulness. The squad remain packed with quality: Karim Benzema, Houssem Aouar, N’Golo Kanté, Fábio Henrique Tavares, Moussa Diaby, and Steven Bergwijn among the headline names. In the Saudi Pro League, their domestic form remains stable — one defeat in five and still within reach of the leaders.
Al-Shorta vs Al-Ittihad Prediction
Despite their recent struggles, Al-Ittihad simply have too much talent and experience to stumble here. Against a limited Al-Shorta side, the visitors should finally secure their first win of the group stage.
