Naft vs Diyala - Iraqi League

The Iraqi League returns to the home ground on October 9, 2026, where Naft and Diyala will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Ferencvaros v Real Madrid: Confirmed line-ups for Mourinho’s latest pre-season clash.

Both Naft and Diyala will be eager to build momentum when they meet in Iraqi League. Naft have been picking up results at a respectable clip, W over their last five with a season win rate of 50%. Diyala have blown hot and cold, DW across their last five and a season win rate of 25%. Where Naft have built their campaign on solidity, Diyala have often chased flair, and that fundamental difference should make for compelling viewing. Man Utd have still accumulated the most points across the league since his return in January.

The tactical battle could prove decisive. Naft may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Diyala have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. Tuesday's print edition of ABC, as relayed by Sport Witness, have claimed that Betis turned down a €50m approach from a wealthy non-Premier League club for Antony.

In fixtures as finely poised as this one, it often comes down to who holds their nerve in the big moments — and both camps have players who relish that responsibility. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. But this is still £10m short of what Etihad bosses are demanding for the World Cup winner, having originally stated they wanted at least £60m for the midfielder.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 2-2 draw feels like a fitting result. With positions in the Iraqi League table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. In terms of outgoings, Perri seems closest to an exit, but that will likely have to wait until Trafford's mandated holiday after the World Cup is over or a No 2 arrives.