David Flower
Dailysports's expert
One of the most intriguing matches of the 4th round of the AFC Champions League will take place in Riyadh, where local team Al-Nassr will face Al-Ain. Here’s a suggested bet on the total number of goals in this match with an excellent odds offer.
Al-Nassr
The "Global Club" appears to be facing challenges in recent games, as they are winless in their last three matches across all competitions. In the last round of the Saudi Pro League, Al-Nassr hosted Al-Hilal and managed to halt the champion's long winning streak with a 1-1 draw.
Earlier, Al-Nassr was eliminated from the King’s Cup after a 0-1 home loss to Al-Taawoun, with Ronaldo missing a goal in stoppage time. In the previous league round, the "Global Club" couldn’t secure a win on the road against Al-Kholood, resulting in a 3-3 draw. However, in the Champions League, Al-Nassr currently sits in 4th place in the standings, with seven points from three rounds. Their only slip came in the first round in an away game against Al-Shorta.
Al-Ain
The "Bosses" won the Champions League last season, but they have started poorly in this year’s campaign. In three matches, the team has only one point, earned from a draw with Al-Sadd in the first round (1-1). Additionally, the "Bosses" suffered away defeats to Al-Gharafa (2-4) and Al-Hilal (4-5).
Last Tuesday, Al-Ain lost 0-3 on the road to Egyptian side Al-Ahly in the Intercontinental Cup. In the UAE league, after five rounds, Al-Ain is in eighth place, trailing the leader by 10 points. The team approaches the Al-Nassr match following a 1-1 draw with Dibba.
Match Facts
- The "Both Teams to Score" bet has hit in two of the last four games.
- The "Total Over 2.5" bet has hit in two of the last four games.
- In four of Al-Ain’s last five games, the "Total Over 2.5" bet was successful.
Head-to-Head
In the quarterfinals of last season’s Champions League, Al-Ain defeated Al-Nassr at home 1-0, and though they lost 2-3 in the return leg, they won the penalty shootout to advance.
Probable Lineups
- Al-Nassr: Bento, Boushal, Laporte, Simakan, Al Ghannam, Brozovic, Al-Haybari, Mane, Otavio, Talisca, Ronaldo
- Al-Ain: Senda, Salomoni, Komari, Nashemi, Butti, Barman, Segovia, Infantino, Gassama, Laba, Sanabria
Prediction
Bookmakers heavily favor the home team, with Al-Nassr’s win rated at odds of 1.35. We expect a thrilling match with plenty of goals. Our recommended bet is "Both Teams to Score" at odds of 1.60.
