Today, October 21, 2024, Al Rayyan SC will host Al-Ahli Jeddah in a highly anticipated AFC Champions League match at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan, Qatar. This clash is part of the third round of the tournament and promises to be an exciting encounter.
Al Rayyan SC is not in their best form, having lost five of their last seven matches. The team has struggled in the Champions League so far, suffering defeats against Al-Hilal (1-3) and Al-Nassr (1-2). Their defense has been particularly porous, conceding nine goals in their last four home matches. Despite playing at home, bookmakers have labeled Al Rayyan as underdogs due to their recent performance.
On the other hand, Al-Ahli Jeddah has had a strong start in the AFC Champions League, winning both of their first two matches. They defeated Persepolis 1-0 at home and then won 2-0 against Al-Wasl in the Champions League. Al-Ahli has also shown solid form away from home, winning their last two encounters. The team has recently acquired several renowned players, including Mahrez, Toni, Kessié, Demiral, and Firmino, which has significantly bolstered their squad.
Both teams have no reported injuries or suspensions, which means they will be at full strength for this crucial match. The betting trends suggest that Al-Ahli is likely to continue their winning streak, with odds favoring them to win. Additionally, there is a high likelihood of over 2.5 goals in the match, given Al Rayyan’s recent history of high-scoring games.
The projected lineups for both teams indicate a strong offensive and defensive setup. Al Rayyan is expected to field a lineup including Younes, Naji, Omaro, Garcia, and Trezeguet, among others. Al-Ahli, meanwhile, will likely start with Al-Sanbi, Demiral, Ibanez, Kessié, and Mahrez.
