Al Ittihad vs Ahal - AFC Challenge League

There is a notable edge to this AFC Challenge League fixture. When Al Ittihad meet Ahal at the home ground on October 20, 2026, both will sense an opportunity to land a telling blow. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Ahead of the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off tie against Czech side Jablonec at Ibrox on Thursday, McInnes said: "I said that when I spoke to Lawrence.

There is little to choose between Al Ittihad and Ahal on paper, and the AFC Challenge League encounter should reflect that balance. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. He was sacked by Fiorentina after Che Adams' late goal for Torino left them bottom of the Serie A table with three defeats out of three.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Al Ittihad favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Ahal are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. The Germany club were said to be looking for an out-and-out striker to allow Harry Kane to play a deeper role, and made an approach for Sesko in 2024.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Stuttering starts, goals in every match and plenty of excitement - the Scottish Premiership returned with a bang and there is more to look forward to this weekend.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. With positions in the AFC Challenge League table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign through injury - but it is not likely to impact the Reds' transfer plans.