Naft vs Zakho - Iraqi League

The Iraqi League returns to the home ground on April 27, 2026, where Naft and Zakho will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. 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 plenty riding on this Iraqi League encounter for Naft and Zakho alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. It has been a solid if unspectacular run for the hosts — W across their last five with a win rate of 50% — and they will want to push on from here. Zakho have blown hot and cold, L across their last five and a season win rate of 25%. Where Naft have built their campaign on solidity, Zakho have often chased flair, and that fundamental difference should make for compelling viewing. During his 22 matches in charge, Oxford actually ranked as high as 14th in the table.

The tactical subplot is compelling: Naft favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while Zakho are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. Moving the Dane on frees up space and gives the Partenopei greater room to press ahead with their incoming transfer plans.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Hull's owner has said the deal to sign winger Leon Bailey from Aston Villa in a permanent transfer is close to being done, while they are also pursuing defender Nobel Mendy from Rayo Vallecano and midfielder Mert Komur from Augsburg.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. The team currently most likely to win the 2026 WNBA Finals according to Opta.