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Al Ain will play host to Al-Sadd at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday. This will be the third meeting between the sides in all competitions.
Al Ain vs Al-Sadd Preview
This is the first edition of the tournament since it was rebranded as the AFC Champions League Elite. Al Ain won the previous edition of the competition and will be keen to kick off their title defense on a good note. Both teams will begin their continental campaign in the League Stage, as they were exempted from the qualifying playoffs.
Al Zaeem and Sadd will be playing in the West Region alongside 10 other teams, in accordance with the new format. The top eight teams will advance to the round of 16. Al Ain finished third in the UAE Pro League last season. They have played two games in the new campaign, winning once and drawing once.
Al-Sadd participated in the 2023–24 AFC Champions League but failed to progress beyond the group stage, as they finished fourth in the West Region. New head coach Félix Sánchez has promised to make up for the side’s flawed continental campaign last term. With an improved number of participants, the visitors stand a better chance of progressing.
Al Dheeb won the Qatar Stars League last season for a record 17th time to qualify for this competition - the AFC Champions League Elite. They opened their new campaign in the domestic league with a defeat against Al Shamal 2-1 on the road in early August. However, they have won twice since then and are now third in the table with six points.
Al Ain vs Al-Sadd Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Al Ain and Al-Sadd have met twice, both in the AFC Champions League, with Al-Sadd winning once, as the other game ended in a draw.
- Al Ain have won thrice and lost twice in their last five matches at home in all competitions.
- Both teams have won the AFC Champions League twice each - Al Ain (2003 and 2024), Al Sadd (1988-89 and 2011).
- Al Sadd have won twice, drawn twice and lost once in their last five matches on the road.
- Al Ain have won thrice, drawn once and lost once in their last five matches while Al Sadd have won twice, drawn once and lost twice. Form Guide: Al Ain – W-D-W-W-L, Al Sadd – L-W-W-L-D.
Al Ain vs Al-Sadd Prediction
Two factors will be crucial in the new format of this competition, according to pundits - winning the first match and winning home matches.
Al Ain will not be overlooking those factors, as they welcome Al Sadd in a clash that could move the hosts provisionally to the top.
Al Ain are the favorites based on home advantage.
Prediction: Al Ain 2-1 Al-Sadd
Al Ain vs Al-Sadd Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – Al Ain to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals – Yes
Tip 3: Al Ain to score first – Yes
Tip 4: Al- Sadd to score - Yes
