Al-Sadd vs Shabab Al-Ahli: H2H, lineups and match prediction — December 23, 2025
On Tuesday, December 23, as part of the sixth round of the AFC Champions League, Qatar’s Al-Sadd will host Shabab Al-Ahli from the UAE on their home turf. Read on for a detailed match preview and our prediction for this high-stakes clash.
Match preview
Al-Sadd approach this fixture in less-than-ideal form, having suffered three defeats in their last four outings. One of those losses came in the AFC Champions League, where the Qatari side fell 1-3 to another UAE representative, Al-Wahda. The only goal for Al-Sadd in that match came from the penalty spot, coolly converted by Claudinho.
Matches involving Al-Sadd are traditionally high-scoring affairs. In their previous QSL Cup outing, they lost 3-5 to Al-Rayyan, but before that, they demolished Al-Kharaitiyat 5-0. In fact, each of Al-Sadd’s last seven games has seen at least four goals scored.
When it comes to their Champions League campaign, Al-Sadd’s results have been far from impressive. After five rounds, they have just two points, courtesy of draws against Iraq’s Al-Shorta and UAE’s Al-Sharjah (both ending 1-1). Those draws came in the opening two rounds, followed by a string of defeats to Al-Hilal (1-3), Al-Ahli (1-2), and Al-Wahda (1-3).
Shabab Al-Ahli head into this encounter after nearly a month-long break due to the Arab Nations Cup. The last time the side managed by Portuguese coach Paulo Sousa took to the pitch was on November 29 in the UAE League Cup, where they lost to Dubai’s Al-Nasr in the quarterfinals on penalties. Prior to that setback, Shabab Al-Ahli had reeled off three consecutive wins across all competitions.
In the AFC Champions League, the Dubai club’s position looks much more promising than that of their Qatari counterparts. Currently sitting fifth in the group, a victory here could propel them straight into third place. Throughout the tournament, Shabab Al-Ahli have suffered just one defeat, albeit a stinging 1-4 thrashing at the hands of Qatar’s Al-Duhail.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Each of Al-Sadd’s last fourteen matches has featured at least three goals.
- Both teams have scored in nine of Al-Sadd’s last ten matches.
- Shabab Al-Ahli have lost just twice in their last ten outings.
- This will be the first ever official meeting between these two sides.
Probable lineups
- Al-Sadd: Barsham - Salman, Suhail, Saiss, Otávio - Prim Coma, Guilherme, Claudinho - Giovani, Afif, Firmino
- Shabab Al-Ahli: Maqebaali - Mateus Henrique, Planić, Renan, Santos - Fede, Cascardo, Eid, Bala - César, Mateusão
Prediction
I expect this encounter to be yet another high-scoring affair involving Al-Sadd. Their matches consistently go over 2.5 goals, and there’s little reason to expect anything different this time. Moreover, this game presents a great opportunity for Shabab Al-Ahli to showcase their attacking potential, as they’ve also shown a knack for finding the net. All things considered, the best bet here is over 2.5 total goals.
