Pakhtakor to host Al Nassr in AFC Champions League Elite group-stage tie on November 2
Pakhtakor Football Club will host Al Nassr FC in the round-four group-stage match of the AFC Champions League Elite 2026-27 at the Pakhtakor Markaziy Stadium on November 2. The preview covers form, injury news, likely lineups and a prediction for the fixture.
Pakhtakor return to action after a 1-0 league victory against Xorazm but the article notes they have not been at the top of their form and will need to improve in the final third. Hosting the next Asian Champions League outing gives the Uzbek side home advantage from the outset. Ibrokhim Ibrokhimov is mentioned as a potential attacking midfielder who will play an important role in the hosts’ final-third play.
Al Nassr have been part of three matches in the competition so far and, according to the article, have failed to secure a win. The piece also states that Ange Postecoglou’s men have been on a sensational run of form and have secured consecutive wins in their last five matches. It adds that Al-Nassr have secured one win in their first two AFC Champions League Elite fixtures of this season.
The preview states that, with Cristiano Ronaldo likely to be rested, Joao Felix will assume an important attacking role for Al-Nassr. It records that Felix has not been on the scoresheet very frequently this season but has created some of the greatest plays for the Big Yellow during the ongoing campaign. The article also says, "The 25-year-old will be looking to step up his game so that he can help his side secure their first win in the AFC Champions League Elite this season."
For the hosts the article highlights Ibrokhim Ibrokhimov’s potential deployment in attacking midfield and his expected influence in the final third. It reiterates Pakhtakor’s recent win over Xorazm as a return to winning ways but warns the side must address its final-third shortcomings.
On availability the piece reports that all of Pakhtakor’s squad members are fit and ready for action. It adds that Sultan Al Ghannam continues to miss for Al-Nassr due to his cruciate ligament injury, Kingsley Coman is back in training and might come in as a substitute, and Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to be rested for this one.
Probable lineups listed in the preview are: Pakhtakor — Kuvvatov (GK); Saitov, Abdumazhidov, Poualinganji, Karimov; Buriev, Sabirkhodjaev; Flamarion, Ibrokhimov, Resan; Hussein. Al-Nassr — Bento (GK); Boushal, Simakan, Martinez, Yahya; Alkhaibari, Samu; Angelo, Felix, Mane; Al Hamddan.
Prediction from the preview is Pakhtakor 1-3 Al Nassr. The article states the match will take place on November 2 at the Pakhtakor Markaziy Stadium, lists Saudi Arabia broadcasters as beIN Sports and Al Kass, and notes viewers can use FanCode for coverage.