Saudi Pro League powerhouses Al-Nassr will lock horns with Iraqi football side Al-Shorta in their AFC Champions League Elite 2024-25 opener at the Al-Madina Stadium in Baghdad.
Al Shorta enjoyed a stellar season last year, securing the domestic double under former coach Momen Soliman, who departed the club over the summer.
Now, the Iraqi champions face Al Nassr in the opening fixture of the AFC Champions League Elite West group stage.
This round will see Al Shorta play eight matches, four at home and four away. To progress to the knockout stages, they'll need to finish in the top eight positions.
On the other hand, Al Nassr, despite their big-name signings, have struggled to make an impact this season. While still unbeaten in the league, Luis Castro's men currently sit in sixth place after three matchdays, adding pressure on the coach to deliver better results.
The Knights of Najd now shift their attention to the AFC Champions League Elite, with the new format promising more games during the group phase. Al Nassr will be looking to make their mark on this stage after a lukewarm start to their domestic campaign.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch, including TV channel, streaming details and more.
How to watch Al Shorta vs Al Nassr FC online - TV channels & live streams
In the United Kingdom (UK), the AFC Champions League match will be available to watch and stream online live through TrillerTV.
Check out GOAL's Live Match Centre for updates.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out GOAL's guide to the best VPNs for streaming sport.
Al Shorta vs Al Nassr FC kick-off time
| Date: | Monday, September 16, 2024 |
| Kick-off time: | 12:00 pm ET/ 9:00 am PT |
| Venue: | Al-Madina International Stadium |
The match will be played at the Al-Madina International Stadium on Monday, September 16, with kick-off at 12:00 pm ET/ 9:00 am PT for fans in the US.
Team news & squads
Al Shorta team news
Al Shorta have a fully fit squad to pick from.
Senegalese international Idrissa Niang has emerged as one of the important players in the side after playing a crucial role in achieving the double last season.
Al Shorta predicted XI (4-4-1-1): Fadhil; Jasim, Hashem, Younis, Yahya; Khudhair, Niang, Coumbassa, Farhan; Saleh; Al-Mawas
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers: | Basil, Karim, Khaleel |
| Defenders: | Benlamri, Yahya, Younus, Hashem, Bindjeme, Sabah, Matrook, Jasem, Ali, Shehab, Ahmed, Yahya |
| Midfielders: | Mawas, Youssef, Amin, Coumbassa, Subaihawi, Moumouni, Niang, Mazhar, Jassim, Adel, Shaway, Falih |
| Forwards: | Ali, Zrayq, Ali, Farhan, Dawood, Shakir, Zero, Sadeq, Esquerdinha, Falih, Mohammed, Alawadi, Altajeen |
Al Nassr FC team news
Al Nassr have a key concern heading into this clash, as Sami Al-Najei remains doubtful after recently recovering from a knee injury. Under increasing pressure, Luis Castro is expected to field a strong starting lineup, although we might see some players rotated during the match.
Meanwhile, skipper Cristiano Ronaldo will not be making the trip to Iraq to face Al-Shorta. The Portuguese star, who surpassed the 900 career goals mark during the international break, has been diagnosed with a viral infection and has been advised to rest in Riyadh. Sadio Mane will spearhead the attack in Ronaldo's absence.
Al Nassr predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Bento; Al Ghanam, Simakan, Laporte, Al Najdi; Otavio, Brozovic; Ghareeb, Talisca, Yahya; Mane
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers: | Bukhari, Bento, Al-Aqidi, Al-Najjar |
| Defenders: | Al-Ghannam, Al-Fatil, Al-Amri, Boushal, Telles, Laporte, Aman, Qasheesh, Lajami |
| Midfielders: | Ali, Al-Sulaiheem, Al-Najei, Al-Khaibari, Al-Hassan, Yahya, Otavio, Ghareeb, Brozovic, Talisca |
| Forwards: | Maran, Mane, Al-Nemer, Haqawi |
Head-to-Head Record
| Date | Match | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 09/08/2023 | Al-Shorta 0-1 Al-Nassr | Arab Club Champions Cup |