Esteghlal vs Al Sadd Preview & Prediction | 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite | League Stage
by Alex Lawes ·
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The first round of fixtures in the league phase of the AFC Champions League sees Iranian outfit Esteghlal take on Qatari giants Al Sadd this week.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – Paramount+
How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / USA – Paramount+
Esteghlal vs Al Sadd prediction
Esteghlal come into this one on the back of a goalless draw with Aluminium Arak in the Iranian Pro League at the weekend. They remain third in the table domestically with an eight-match unbeaten run of form.
Al Sadd, under the management of former Italy boss Roberto Mancini, sit at the top-of-the-table in the Qatar Stars League. Their squad has some notable stars but is built around former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino.
This match is being played at the neutral venue of Basrah in Iraq and that may give Al Sadd an advantage, albeit Esteghlal themselves remain a strong side in Asia.
Esteghlal vs Al Sadd tip: Al Sadd to win & both teams to score
