Al Nassr v Neftchi Fergana: AFC Champions League Elite preview, team news and prediction
Al Nassr will host FC Neftchi Fergana at Al Awwal Park on October 12 in Round 2 of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026-27. Al Nassr lost 0-4 to Al Ain in their opening Asian match and beat Al Diriyah 3-0 in the Saudi Pro League.
Al Nassr enter the tie as the defending Saudi Pro League champions and are still seeking their first victory in this season’s ACL Elite after the loss to Al Ain. The preview notes Ange Postecoglou’s men have not been very consistent and says they must control the ball well in midfield and not allow many chances to the visitors. The recent 3-0 league win over Al Diriyah is cited as momentum ahead of the home fixture.
Cristiano Ronaldo was the standout in the 3-0 win over Al Diriyah, the preview describes him as the 41-year-old talisman who broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute. In that match he created the joint-most chances (4) but did not record an assist. The piece states he will be once again eager to engrave his name on the scoresheet and that he is going to be a menace to the opponent’s defence.
FC Neftchi Fergana arrive unbeaten in their last four matches and will be led by Islom Ismoilov, according to the preview. Ikrom Alibaev completed the most passes (57) in Neftchi’s opening AFC Champions League Elite fixture, did not score, and the 32-year-old is expected to step up for the away side. The preview describes Neftchi’s recent form as positive but notes the ACL Elite game will not be easy for them.
Injury and availability notes in the preview list Sultan Al Ghannam as ruled out because of a cruciate ligament injury and say Abdulelah Al Amri might also sit out due to a lack of fitness, while FC Neftchi Fergana have all their players available and fit. The suggested Al Nassr lineup is: Bento (GK); Washl, Simakan, Martinez, Aman; Coman, Al Khaibari, Samu, Mane; Felix, Ronaldo. The suggested FC Neftchi Fergana lineup is: Ergashev (GK); Sayfiev, Abduganiev, Ciger, Kouao; Ismoilov, Ratinho, Sasse, Alibaev; Perica, Odilov.
The preview gives Al Nassr a slight edge because of home-ground advantage and better squad quality, while acknowledging Neftchi’s current run could make the visitors competitive. It concludes that Cristiano Ronaldo and company are likely to come out on top to secure three points and predicts a 2-1 scoreline in favour of Al Nassr.
The clash is scheduled for October 12 at Al Awwal Park and will be broadcast in Saudi Arabia on beIN Sports and Al Kass; fans can also view the games live via the FanCode app and website. For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join the community on Telegram.