+>[Here's Ways To Watch] Al-Shorta vs Al-Nassr Live Streams Free TV Channel 16 September 2024

How to watch today's Al Shorta vs Al-Nassr AFC Champions League game: Live stream, TV channel, and start time. Saudi Pro League powerhouses Al-Nassr will lock horns with Iraqi football side Al-Shorta in their AFC Champions League Elite 2024-25 opener at the Al-Madina Stadium in Baghdad.

Click Here to Watch Al Nassr vs Al-Shorta Live Online

Al Shorta enjoyed a stellar season last year, securing the domestic double under former coach Momen Soliman, who departed the club over the summer.

Now, the Iraqi champions face Al Nassr in the opening fixture of the AFC Champions League Elite West group stage.

This round will see Al Shorta play eight matches, four at home and four away. To progress to the knockout stages, they'll need to finish in the top eight positions.

On the other hand, Al Nassr, despite their big-name signings, have struggled to make an impact this season. While still unbeaten in the league, Luis Castro's men currently sit in sixth place after three matchdays, adding pressure on the coach to deliver better results.

The Knights of Najd now shift their attention to the AFC Champions League Elite, with the new format promising more games during the group phase. Al Nassr will be looking to make their mark on this stage after a lukewarm start to their domestic campaign.

Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch, including TV channel, streaming details and more.

Al Shorta vs Al Nassr FC kick-off time

Date: Monday, September 16, 2024

Kick-off time: 12:00 pm ET/ 9:00 am PT

Venue: Al-Madina International Stadium

The match will be played at the Al-Madina International Stadium on Monday, September 16, with kick-off at 12:00 pm ET/ 9:00 am PT for fans in the US.

Al Shorta team news

Al Shorta have a fully fit squad to pick from.

Senegalese international Idrissa Niang has emerged as one of the important players in the side after playing a crucial role in achieving the double last season.

⁠Al Shorta predicted XI (4-4-1-1): Fadhil; Jasim, Hashem, Younis, Yahya; Khudhair, Niang, Coumbassa, Farhan; Saleh; Al-Mawas

Al Nassr FC team news

Al Nassr have a key concern heading into this clash, as Sami Al-Najei remains doubtful after recently recovering from a knee injury. Under increasing pressure, Luis Castro is expected to field a strong starting lineup, although we might see some players rotated during the match.

Meanwhile, skipper Cristiano Ronaldo will not be making the trip to Iraq to face Al-Shorta. The Portuguese star, who surpassed the 900 career goals mark during the international break, has been diagnosed with a viral infection and has been advised to rest in Riyadh. Sadio Mane will spearhead the attack in Ronaldo's absence.

Al Nassr predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Bento; Al Ghanam, Simakan, Laporte, Al Najdi; Otavio, Brozovic; Ghareeb, Talisca, Yahya; Mane

The Saudi giants are part of the Elite West Group and it promises to be a crunch encounter as they take on the Iraqi club. Despite high expectations, Al Nassr will miss their captain Cristiano Ronaldo who is not available due to viral infection.

Cristiano Ronaldo's side were lacklustre in a 1-1 draw against Al-Ahli on Friday in the Saudi Pro League and will look to put on a better show.

Meanwhile, Al-Shorta, who won the seventh Iraq Stars League in July, will enter the match full of confidence. In their only previous meeting, Al Nassr beat the Iraqi club 1-0 in the Arab Club Champions Cup 2023 semi-final in August 2023. There are no injury concerns for Iraqi club Al Shorta and head coach Ahmed Salah has a full squad to choose from.

Al Nassr kicks off their AFC Champions League campaign, with the news that their superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, won’t be their opening match. Despite his absence, Al Nassr remain confident in their ability to secure a strong start to the tournament. With a deep roster and high expectations, they are among the favorites to advance to the later stages of the competition.

Their first test comes against Al-Shorta, a team eager to take advantage of Ronaldo‘s absence. For Al-Shorta, this presents a golden opportunity to challenge Al Nassr without the Portuguese icon on the field. Nonetheless, Al Nassr will look to set the tone early and establish themselves as serious contenders, even without their marquee player.