Al Minaa Basra vs Zakho - Iraqi League

The Iraqi League returns to the home ground on May 24, 2026, where Al Minaa Basra and Zakho will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

Form and standings can only tell part of the story when Al Minaa Basra and Zakho cross paths in the Iraqi League, and pride alone should guarantee a contest. The hosts have struggled for consistency, D in their last five pointing to a win rate of 25%. Zakho have struggled to string results together away from home, L over their last five with a win rate of 25%. Their respective approaches this season have differed noticeably, and the tactical contrast could prove telling. But the Reds are still unsure about Bologna's asking price for the defender, who turned 28 in June and has less than 12 months to run on his contract at the Serie A side.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Al Minaa Basra will look to impose their style on home soil, while Zakho are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. Man Utd are pushing higher and working harder to press and counter-press the opposition, especially to win the ball back quickly after a loss of possession.

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. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. The Roma midfielder has been identified as someone who could be the elusive third midfield signing this summer.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 1-1. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Harry Kane is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.