Esteghlal vs Al Shamal Predictions & Tips - BTTS Tipped in AFC Elite Matchup

Ryan Allan

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Last updated: Mon 02 Nov 2026 14:22

Ryan Allan 50 minutes ago

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Esteghlal face Al Shamal in the AFC Champions League Elite
Both teams backed to score in Tuesday's West section clash in Basra
Get our Esteghlal vs Al Shamal predictions for Tuesday's AFC fixture

Al-Shamal set for Tuesday's trip to Iraq (Getty Images)

Esteghlal vs Al Shamal Predictions
Goals Expected in Basra
Esteghlal and Al Shamal Set for First Meeting
Esteghlal Seeking Continental Response
Al Shamal Look to Respond After Al Sadd Defeat
Esteghlal vs Al Shamal Team News

Esteghlal vs Al Shamal Predictions

Esteghlal face Al Shamal in Tuesday's AFC Champions League Elite fixture in Basra.

The hosts have conceded in four of their last five matches, while Al Shamal have been involved in several high-scoring encounters in recent weeks.

BTTS looks like the best value pick in neutral Iraq.

Goals Expected in Basra

Esteghlal scored 1+ goals in 7 of their last 9 matches
Esteghlal have seen BTTS in 3 of their last 5 matches
Al Shamal have seen BTTS in 12 of their last 16 matches
Al Shamal conceded 1+ goals in 14 of their last 16 matches

Esteghlal and Al Shamal Set for First Meeting

Esteghlal and Al Shamal will meet for the first time on Tuesday.

Esteghlal Seeking Continental Response

Esteghlal return to AFC Champions League Elite action after a 2-0 defeat at Shabab Al Ahli last Tuesday.

Mateus Dias Lima broke the deadlock in the second half before Juan Alvina added a second late in the contest.

Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh's side struggled to create clear-cut chances in the UAE. Esteghlal enjoyed 47% possession and registered slightly more shots (9-8), but managed just one effort on target.

That lack of attacking threat was reflected in the final xG totals, with Esteghlal recording a significantly lower total (0.42-1.21).

Before last week's reversal, the Iranian champions enjoyed an impressive 14-game unbeaten run across all competitions.

The Iranians also made a strong start to their AFC Elite campaign, picking up back-to-back wins against Al-Sadd (3-0) and Al-Gharafa (2-1).

Competing in the AFC Champions League Elite for the first time since the 2024/25 season, Esteghlal reached the knockout stage in their previous appearance before a 3-0 aggregate defeat to Al Nassr in the round of 16.

Al Shamal Look to Respond After Al Sadd Defeat

Al Shamal return to continental action after a 4-1 defeat at Al Sadd in the Qatar Stars League on Friday.

Giovani opened the scoring before Riyad Mahrez equalised from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time. Second-half goals from Mohamed Camara, Akram Afif and Roberto Firmino secured a dominant win for the home side.

Silvio D'Alberto's side struggled to contain the hosts after being reduced to ten men following Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane's dismissal just before half-time.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Al Shamal registered more shots (15-12) and enjoyed 47% possession.

The visitors created plenty of goalscoring opportunities, with the final xG figures (1.97-2.44) reflecting a more competitive contest than the scoreline suggested.

Before Friday's setback, Al Shamal had secured an impressive 3-1 AFC Champions League Elite win against Al Hilal last Tuesday.

In their first-ever AFC Elite campaign, Al Shamal sit sixth in the West section and remain unbeaten from their opening three fixtures.

Esteghlal vs Al Shamal Team News

Esteghlal: (3-4-3) Habib Far Abbasi; Saman Fallah, Aref Aghasi, Rustam Ashurmatov; Saleh Hardani, Roozbeh Cheshmi, Amirmohammad Razzaghinia, Hossein Goudarzi; Jasir Asani, Saeid Saharkhizan, Esmaeil Gholizadeh.

Esteghlal head coach Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh could make changes following last Tuesday's 2-0 defeat against Shabab Al Ahli.

Alireza Koushki is among those pushing for a recall after appearing as a substitute in Dubai.

Jasir Asani is expected to retain his place in the starting XI. The Albanian international has scored two goals in three AFC Elite appearances this season.

Al Shamal: (4-2-3-1) Babacar Seck; Youssouf Sabaly, Jeison Murillo, Pablo Mari, Musab Khoder; Tiago Silva, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane; Riyad Mahrez, Alex Collado, Wesley Said; Baghdad Bounedjah.

Al Shamal boss Silvio D'Alberto could make changes following Friday's 4-1 defeat against Al Sadd.

Musab Khoder, Michel Termanini and Omar Ali are among those in contention to earn recalls to the first XI.

Baghdad Bounedjah is expected to lead the visitors' attack. The Algerian international has scored two goals in the AFC Elite this season.

Verdict

Esteghlal v Al Shamal

An evenly balanced contest is likely to see both teams create chances in Basra.

I have my stake on BTTS in Tuesday's AFC Elite contest.

BTTS

Both Teams to Score

@9/10 - 3 Units

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Ryan is a Barcelona-based football fanatic with 10+ years of experience as a sports writer and statistical analyst. He covers a number of leagues including from his native Scotland, Italy, Germany and more.

A huge fan of the goal markets, he specialises in BTTS and over 2.5 goal picks from the MLS to the Bundesliga and beyond.

He has also been featured on MightyTips and you can find more from Ryan on Muckrack and LinkedIn.