Contents
- Competition: AFC Champions League
- Date: Monday, 25th, November 2024
- Kickoff: 16:00 UK / 17.00 CET
- Venue: Thani bin Jassim Stadium (Doha)
Al-Nassr’s quest to remain unbeaten in the AFC Champions League continues on Monday as they head to Qatar to face Al-Gharafa at the Thani bin Jassim Stadium.
Al Gharaffa vs Al Nassr Betting Tips: BTTS
Favoritism undoubtedly leans toward the Saudi side, but taking the win in Doha will necessitate their absolute focus, as Al Gharafa’s offensive arsenal can easily transform this contest into a captivating, goal-filled battle.
Despite their recent form being inconsistent, Pedro Martins’ side managed to lift spirits at the perfect moment, overcoming an early setback to storm to a commanding 3-1 victory over Al-Wakra on home soil, though the gap to league leaders Al-Duhail remains at seven points.
On the continental club stage, the Cheetahs have managed to bag four points, which is an impressive haul considering they entered each of their opening four fixtures as underdogs, and their 4-2 hammering of defending champions Al-Ain on matchday two is a clear statement that they should not be underestimated.
Led by former Real Madrid forward Joselu, Al-Gharafa have established themselves as a highly potent attacking side, though their fragile defensive line has frequently cost them valuable points this season. As a result of this partnership, their matches have been full of goals and excitement, with BTTS successful in 10 of the last 12 games.
In contrast, Al-Nassr have recently faced a couple of shocks, starting with their elimination from the King Cup by Al-Taawon in the round of 16, where CR7 missed a last-minute penalty that could have forced extra time, and just before their trip to Doha, they suffered a painful 1-2 home defeat to Al Qadisiya that dealt a big blow to their title hopes in the Saudi Pro League.
Admiteddly, CR7 and co are relishing a muscular start to the AFC Champions League, as after an opening-day 1-1 draw with Al Shorta, they have made it three wins in a row against Al Rayyan, Esteghlal, and most recently, they crushed reigning champions Al Ain 5-1, taking third place, behind the infallible Al Hilal and Al Ahli SC.
Like their Monday opponents, the Knights of Najd have shown weaknesses and inconsistencies at the back lately, with only one clean sheet in their last six competitive matches clearly highlighting their struggles to keep opponents at bay. With both teams lacking solidity in defense but being productive in attack, we anticipate a lively match in which both teams are likely to light up the scoreboard.
Al Gharaffa team news
Senegalese international Seydou Sano was substituted in the 33rd minute of his last AFC match against Persepolis due to injury, but fortunately, the 20-year-old made a quick recovery and played a full 90 minutes over the weekend against Al Wakra.
After his international duties with Iceland in November, Aron Gunnarsson was given a break in the game against Al Wakra to ensure he is fully fit for the crucial upcoming encounter with the Saudi team.
Last matches of
-
Al Gharafa
3 : 1
Al Wakrah
Stars League
-
Al Khor
3 : 0
Al Gharafa
QSL Cup
-
Persepolis
1 : 1
Al Gharafa
AFC Champions League Elite
-
Al Gharafa
3 : 1
Al Arabi
Stars League
-
Al Duhail
1 : 1
Al Gharafa
Stars League
lineup
Goalkeeper
-
15
Sergio Rico
Defenders
-
28
Wajdi Kechrida
-
32
Matías Nani
-
6
Dame Traoré
-
2
Abdalla Yousif
Midfielders
-
31
Ferjani Sassi
-
29
Fabricio Díaz
-
7
Florinel Coman
-
8
Yacine Brahimi
-
24
Aron Gunnarsson
Forwards
-
9
Joselu
Al Nassr team news
Just six minutes after coming off the bench to replace Angelo in Friday's league match against Al Qadisiya, 23-year-old Ayman Yahya suffered an injury that will likely rule him out of the upcoming continental clash with Al Gharaffa.
Al Nassr's attacking line will be weakened by the absence of influential Anderson Talisca, who suffered a late injury in his side's 1-0 victory over Al Riyadh on November 8, meaning Abdulrahman Ghareeb will take his place.
Last matches of
-
Al Nassr
1 : 2
Al Quadisiya
Pro League
-
Al Riyadh
0 : 1
Al Nassr
Pro League
-
Al Nassr
5 : 1
Al Ain
AFC Champions League Elite
-
Al Nassr
1 : 1
Al Hilal
Pro League
-
Al Nassr
0 : 1
Al Taawoun
Kings Cup
lineup
Goalkeeper
-
24
Bento
Defenders
-
12
Nawaf Al-Boushal
-
27
Aymeric Laporte
-
3
Mohamed Simakan
-
2
Sultan Al-Ghannam
Midfielders
-
11
Marcelo Brozović
-
25
Otávio
-
10
Sadio Mané
-
20
Ângelo
-
29
Abdulrahman Ghareeb
Forwards
-
7
Cristiano Ronaldo
4 Reasons why we expect BTTS
- Al Gharaffa scored exactly three times in three of their last four home matches in any competition.
- Each of Al Gharaffa's last seven home matches featured goals in both nets.
- Al Nassr have been breached at the back in all but one of their last six competitive matches.
- Since the start of the season, in 19 appearances, Al Nassr have been absent from the score sheet only once.
Main prediction -
Both Teams to Score
Best Odds:
Additional predictions
& current standing in AFC Champions League Elite
West | P | W | D | L |
G - A
|
GD | Pts | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Al Hilal | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 16 - 5 | +11 | 12 |
2 | Al Ahli | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 10 - 2 | +8 | 12 |
3 | Al Nassr | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 9 - 3 | +6 | 10 |
4 | Al Sadd | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 5 - 2 | +3 | 8 |
5 | Al Wasl | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 - 4 | 0 | 7 |
6 | Al Gharafa | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 - 8 | -2 | 4 |
7 | Al Rayyan | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 - 7 | -3 | 3 |
8 | Esteghlal | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 - 6 | -3 | 3 |
9 | Persepolis | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 - 4 | -2 | 2 |
10 | Pakhtakor | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 - 3 | -2 | 2 |
11 | Al Shorta | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 - 11 | -9 | 2 |
12 | Al Ain | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 8 - 15 | -7 | 1 |