Match details. AFC Champions League Elite, League Phase - 2. Kick-off is Mon 12 Oct, 19:15 Lagos time. It is played at Thani bin Jassim Stadium, Al Rayyan.
What's at stake. Al Gharafa SC are 12th on 0 points after 1 game, level on points with Al-Wasl FC, level on points with Al Quwa Al Jawiya. A win would take them above Al-Wasl FC. Esteghlal FC Tehran are 2nd on 3 points after 1 game, level on points with Al Ain, level on points with Al-Qadisiyah FC. A win would take them above Al Ain.
Form. Al Gharafa SC have won four, drawn one and lost five of their last ten, 1.3 points a game. Their last five, newest first: L W L D L. In this competition Al Gharafa SC have gone L. Esteghlal FC Tehran have won six, drawn four and lost none of their last ten, 2.2 points a game. Their last five, newest first: D W W D D. In this competition Esteghlal FC Tehran have gone W.
The numbers. Al Gharafa SC score 2.2 and concede 1.3 a game in their last six at home, with one clean sheet. Al Gharafa SC average 17.4 shots (5.6 on target), 5.2 corners and 2.4 cards a game, with 49% of the ball. Esteghlal FC Tehran score 1.5 and concede 0.3 a game over their last ten, with seven clean sheets and two games without a goal. Esteghlal FC Tehran average 2.0 corners and 3.0 cards a game.
Head to head. The last time they met, on 16 Sep 2024, it finished Al Gharafa SC 0-3 Esteghlal FC Tehran: Al Gharafa SC had 4 shots to 20, 47% of the ball, six yellow cards.
Where it pulls both ways. On goals, their goals for and against point to a tight game; their records put over 2.5 goals at 58%.
The case against. Al Gharafa SC's record still gives them 29% to win.
The read. Esteghlal FC Tehran to win. Their goals for and against make Esteghlal FC Tehran the likelier winners; Esteghlal FC Tehran are the stronger side on form and the table.
The bets. No bet yet: nothing I'd back is priced yet. Leave: Al Gharafa SC Under 1.5 goals (Al Gharafa SC's own games don't back it (2 of 6)). Predicted score: Al Gharafa SC 0-1 Esteghlal FC Tehran (12% chance).
Every score's chance from both teams' checked games, never cut or rescaled. The lit square is the likeliest score that fits the read (the call).