Al-Ahli vs Pakhtakor Tashkent Predictions
Al-Ahli and Pakhtakor Tashkent meet at Alinma Stadium as the AFC Champions League Elite returns.
Two-in-a-row champions Al-Ahli have made a mixed start to their domestic season, but their continental class should give them the edge against the Uzbek visitors.
Al-Ahli to win and Over 2.5 Goals is my best bet on Monday.
Recent Stats Point to Goals
- Al-Ahli won 6 of their last 7 matches (AFC Elite)
- Al-Ahli have seen over 2.5 Goals in 7 of their last 8 matches
- Pakhtakor Tashkent have seen over 2.5 goals in 5 of their last 8 matches
- Pakhtakor Tashkent lost 2 of their last 4 matches (AFC Elite)
Al-Ahli and Pakhtakor Tashkent Set For Third Encounter
Al-Ahli and Pakhtakor Tashkent will meet for the third time on Monday. Pakhtakor claimed victories in both previous encounters in this competition seven years ago.
Al-Ahli Return to Winning Ways
Al-Ahli return to Alinma Stadium after a well-deserved 3-1 win against Al-Hazem in the Saudi Pro League on Friday.
In-form English forward Ivan Toney scored twice after Francisco Trincao brought the hosts level after Ahmed Al-Nakhli’s surprise second-minute opener for the visitors.
The Saudi giants should have scored several more in a one-sided victory at Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium. Al-Ahli created nine big chances and finished the contest with a huge 5.78 xG.
Before Friday’s much-needed victory, Al-Ahli had lost three of four previous Saudi Pro League fixtures. They now sit fifth in the division, six points behind early pacesetter Al-Hilal.
The hosts have been strong at home, though, winning their last three matches at Alinma Stadium with nine goals scored and only one conceded.
Recent results for the Royals have been high-scoring. Each of their last five games finished with at least three goals scored. An average of 4.2 goals per game was scored in those fixtures.
The reigning AFC Elite champions are bidding for a third successive Asian title after lifting the trophy in 2025 and 2026.
Pakhtakor Pick Up Form
Pakhtakor make the trip to Saudi Arabia after a 3-1 victory at FC AGMK in the Uzbekistan Super League on Wednesday.
Aymen Hussein, Ibrokhim Ibrokhimov and Dostonbek Khamdamov were on target as Pakhtakor secured a somewhat flattering road victory.
Despite producing just 1.25 xG, Kamoliddin Tadzhiev’s men held their nerve to claim all three points at AGMK Stadium. The hosts wasted several goalscoring opportunities with a final xG of 2.51, illustrating their wastefulness in front of goal.
The Uzbek outfit have been in mixed form over the past month or so, recording four wins and four draws from nine games played since the start of August.
Back in the AFC Elite after a one-season absence, Pakhtakor return to the competition for the first time since 2025. Tashkent reached the round of 16 on that occasion before suffering a 4-1 aggregate defeat to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
On the road, the Lions have failed to win all but one of nine continental away fixtures since 2023.
Al-Ahli vs Pakhtakor Tashkent Team News
Al-Ahli: (4-5-1) Edouard Mendy; Rayan Hamed, Merih Demiral, Roger Ibanez, Saad Balobaid; Valentin Atangana Edoa, Firas Al-Buraikan, Eduard Spertsyan, Francisco Trincao, Wenderson Galeno; Ivan Toney
Al-Ahli boss Pusic is expected to name the same side that eased past Al-Hazem. The Saudis have no reported injury issues this week.
In-form forward Ivan Toney will lead the attack after scoring seven goals in his last five appearances.
Pakhtakor Tashkent: (4-5-1) Sandzhar Kuvvatov; Khozhiakbar Alizhonov, Muhammadrasul Abdumajidov, Zaid Tahseen, Dilshod Saitov; Abdurauf Buriev, Dostonbek Khamdamov, Sardor Sobirkhuzhaev, Ibrokhim Ibrokhimov, Bashar Resan; Aymen Hussein.
Pakhtakor have no confirmed injury or suspension issues available at the time of writing.
Aymen Hussein, Ibrokhim Ibrokhimov and Dostonbek Khamdamov are expected to feature in the visitors' forward line.