Al Shorta vs Al Ittihad Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | AFC Champions League Elite 2025-26
Baghdad gears up to host the reigning Saudi champions!
The Al Madina International Stadium in Baghdad, Iraq, gears up to host the ACL Elite 2025-26 Matchweek 3 fixture between Al Shorta and Al Ittihad.
Al Shorta are the reigning champions of the Iraq Stars League. They are winless so far after settling for a draw against Al Gharafa and suffering a defeat against Al Sadd. They are led by Egyptian gaffer Moamen Soliman, who has massive experience coaching across top clubs in the Gulf region.
The Saudi champions and one of the top contenders to win the ACL Elite this season suffered two consecutive defeats against Al Wehda and Shabab Al Ahli. The Jeddah outfit are led by French gaffer Laurent Blanc, who has previously served as the head coach of the France national team, PSG and Lyon.
Kick-off:
- Location: Baghdad, Iraq
- Stadium: Al Madina International Stadium
- Date: Monday, October 20
- Kick-off Time: 9:30 p.m. IST
- Referee: TBD
- VAR: In use
Players to Watch
Mahmoud Al Mawas (Al Shorta)
The veteran Syrian winger from Hama has featured for teams like Al Arabi and Botosani before joining Al Shorta in the Iraqi top flight. He is yet to score a goal so far for the Baghdad outfit in ACL Elite and played both the matches for Al Shorta
Moussa Diaby (Al Ittihad)
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – MARCH 19: Moussa Diaby of Leverkusen controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Bayern München at BayArena on March 19, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Joern Pollex/Bundesliga/Bundesliga Collection via Getty Images)
The 26-year-old French winger from Paris plied his trade with teams like PSG, Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa before making a move to Saudi Arabia with Al Ittihad. He has so far played 6 games and has contributed to a solitary assist this season and will be raring to go all guns blazing in Baghdad.
Match Facts
- The match will take place at Al Madina International Stadium in Baghdad
- Al Ittihad are the reigning Saudi Champions
- Al Shorta won the Iraqi Stars League last year
Al Shorta vs Al Ittihad: Betting Tips and Odds
- Ittihad to win the match
- Karim Benzema to score the first goal
- Al Shorta 1-2 Al Ittihad
Injury and Team News
Al Shorta have no injury concerns for the next game.
Al Ittihad will miss Hasan Kadesh and Mohammed Shanqeeti in the next game.
Head-to-Head
Both clubs will lock horns against each other for the very first time in history. This could be the first of many encounters between these two sides.
Predicted Lineups
Al Shorta predicted lineup (4-3-3)
Fadhli (GK); Saadoon, Younis, Ashabi, Al-Hajjaj; Mendy, Qasim, Shakir; Al Mawas, Ali, Ateba
Al Ittihad predicted lineup (4-3-3)
Rajkovic (GK); Al Jalaydan, Al Mousa, Danilo, Faqeehi; Kante, Aouar, Fabinho; Diaby, Benzema, Bergwijn
Match Prediction
Al Ittifaq would be hungry for their first point in the competition. Despite a horrible start, we expect the Jeddah outfit to triumph in the upcoming game.
Prediction: Al Shorta 1-2 Al Ittihad
Telecast Details
India: FanCode
Saudi Arabia: Thmanyah
When and where is the Al Shorta vs Al Ittihad game?
The match will take place on 20 October 2025 (9:30 pm IST) at Baghdad, Iraq.
Where to watch this ACL Elite fixture in India?
The match can be viewed live on Fancode in India.
Where to watch ACL Elite fixture in Saudi Arabia?
The match can be viewed live on Thmanyah in Saudi.
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