Shamal vs Al-Sadd tips and predictions

Shamal generous price to cause the shock

Conventional wisdom says that when these sides meet they are bound to produce some goals. But that doesn't mean there's value in the prices.

Shamal are expected to come off second-best, but the visitors are just too short a price. They will probably get the job done but they are unbackable.

The hosts have picked up 3 wins from 6 matches while the travelling side has lost 1 of their last 3 matches, away and at home. That doesn't look like the recent record of a side that is such a massive favourite.

Shamal need to accept that their chances are likely to come against the run of play. While ultimately probably not enough to change the result of the match, the hosts have posted some good numbers. The hosts have had some excellent spells in their previous displays. They have scored at least once in 6 of their recent 7 matches while kudos is also due for their defence. At the back they have kept a clean sheet in 4 of their last 7 home games.

Al-Sadd have sometimes lost their shape. They've conceded at least once in all of their last 7 matches. There's probably not enough in these stats to get carried away with - these defenders are capable of turning things around pretty quickly. After all, they are odds-on for a reason and can save their supporters' blushes.

Most previews are saying that both sides can get in on the act despite the clear favouritism for Al-Sadd. It's not a strong view but the odds-against for the BTTS No looks a bit more tempting for this encounter. As far as the goal line is concerned, it's Under 2.5 Goals picked as the best play considering how that market has been priced up.