Al-Karma vs Al Shorta - Iraqi League

The history between Al-Karma and Al Shorta lends this Iraqi League fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on August 21, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Anderson was pointing out that City had held the whip hand in this fixture "for as long as I've known", which isn't exactly inaccurate but will also fan the flames ahead of Sunday's Old Trafford showdown.

There is little to choose between Al-Karma and Al Shorta on paper, and the Iraqi League encounter should reflect that balance. Al-Karma are operating at a remarkable level, their W run and a season win rate of 75% placing them among the Iraqi League's very best. Al Shorta have travelled reasonably well, WWDWD over their last five with a season win rate of 50%. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. That result ended the European giants' 14-game unbeaten run in the competition, as Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham were contained by an "incredible" performance from a player barely anyone outside of France had heard of.

The touchline duel between the two managers adds another layer of intrigue, with both likely to tweak their setups in search of a decisive edge. It isn't clear yet that this will definitely be a winger, with Maresca and sporting director Hugo Viana flexible over their attack.

Game-changers are scattered across both line-ups, and the contest may well be decided by which side's match-winners deliver on the day. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Chelsea are also considering the same move, especially after selling Trevoh Chalobah to Como, which frees them to explore a deal for the Colombian defender.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. With the sides so closely matched, a 2-2 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. With positions in the Iraqi League table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Important qualities given that Bournemouth will expect him to be proactive.