Preview: Al Ahli vs Johor Darul Ta'zim Prediction, odds, where to watch, time | AFC Champions League Elite 2025-26 quarter-final

This will be the first-ever clash between these clubs.

Al Ahli are now going to lock horns with Johor Darul Ta’zim for their quarterfinal clash of the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Elite. This is going to be an entertaining outing, taking place at the King Abdullah Sports City.

The Royals are coming in after securing a 1-0 win against Al Duhail in their previous clash of the ACL Elite. They will now be looking to extend their winning run. Matthias Jaissle’s men have recently seen a drop in form.

Al Ahli Saudi will be at home for their upcoming contest and will surely look to capitalise on it. The Royals are the defending champions of the continental competition and will be looking to put on quite a show to secure a spot in the semifinals.

Johor Darul Ta’zim took down Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the AFC Champions League Elite round of 16. Even though their performance in the away leg was not good enough, they still managed to secure a spot in the final eight.

The Xisco Muñoz-led side will be away from home once again, and it is going to be a tough outing for them. Their performances in the Malaysian Super League have been good, but against Al Ahli, they might struggle.

Kick-off:

Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City

Date: Friday, April 17

Kick-off Time: 08:15 PM IST/ 02:45 PM GMT/ 09:45 AM ET/ 06:45 AM PT

Referee: TBD

VAR: In use

Form:

Al Ahli: W-L-W-W-D

Johor Darul: L-D-W-D-W

Players to Watch

Ivan Toney (Al Ahli)

The 30-year-old English forward has been in top form this season for Al Ahli. He has scored in four of the last five matches for his club. However, he has only scored one goal in the ACL Elite this season.

Ivan Toney will be looking to come up with a top performance and is going to be a constant threat to the opponent’s defence.

Marcao (Johor Darul)

Marcao will be looking to step up his game and put in all his efforts so that he can help his side stand a chance against the Royals. In four AFC Champions League Elite games, he has scored three goals and will be looking to add more to his tally. He will lead the attack from the right for Johor Darul Ta’zim Football Club.

Match Facts

Al Ahli have won two of their last five matches.

Johor Darul Ta’zim Football Club have secured three of their last five fixtures.

These clubs are going to face each other for the first time.

Al Ahli vs Johor Darul: Betting Tips and Odds

Al Ahli to win

Ivan Toney to score

Goals under 3.5

Injury and Team News

Ali Majrashi, Merih Demiral, Zakaria Hawsawi, Ibanez and Valentin Atangana Edoa are not going to be in action for Al Ahli. They are injured and might return to action during late April to early May 2026.

Johor Darul Ta’zim Football Club will have all their players fit and ready to be in action.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 0

Al Ahli won: 0

Johor Darul won: 0

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

Al Ahli predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Mendy (GK); Yousef, Hamidou, Sulaiman, Al Brikan; Kessié, Aljohani; Mahrez, Millot, Galeno; Toney

Johor Darul predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Zubiaurre (GK); Arribas, Artal, Silvestre, Cristian; Nene, Fazail; Marcao, Mendez, Silva; Jairo

Match Prediction

The Royals at the King Abdullah Sports City are a strong team to take on, but Johor Darul Ta’zim Football Club might be coming in with a strong fight here.

Al Ahli are likely to secure a win in their upcoming AFC Champions League Elite match.

Prediction: Al Ahli 2-0 Johor Darul

Telecast Details

India: FanCode

Saudi Arabia: Thmanyah, beIN Sports

Australia: Paramount+

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