Youssef En-Nesyri and El Hussein Rahimi lead Moroccan challenge in Al-Ittihad v Al Ain

Al-Ittihad and Al Ain have named their starting line-ups for their AFC Champions League Elite meeting, with Morocco forwards Youssef En-Nesyri and El Hussein Rahimi set to face one another in a notable battle at the top of the pitch.

Al-Ittihad approach the match looking for a result that will strengthen their position in the continental competition and provide fresh momentum in the race to qualify. Al Ain, meanwhile, will aim to take something from the game against one of Saudi Arabia’s leading clubs as they continue their Asian campaign.

The fixture carries added significance because of the direct contest between the two sides and their desire to impose themselves on the match.

Al-Ittihad line-up

Predrag Rajkovic starts in goal for Al-Ittihad.

The defence consists of Muhannad Al-Shanqiti, Carlo Simic, Danilo Pereira and Saad Al-Mousa.

Dion Lopy, Georginio Wijnaldum and Houssem Aouar form the midfield, while Marwan Al-Sahafi, Youssef En-Nesyri and Steven Bergwijn are named in attack.

Al-Ittihad’s listed fixtures also include a Saudi Roshn League match against Neom on 06 November 2026, followed by a meeting with Al-Wehda.

Al Ain line-up

Khalid Eisa is selected as Al Ain’s goalkeeper.

Lazare, Ben Khalek, Rami Rabia, Skoko and Rodriguez make up the defensive line.

Kaku, Traore and Palacios are named in midfield, with El Hussein Rahimi and Giannis Giakoumakis leading the attack.

Al Ain’s schedule includes an ADNOC Professional League fixture against Al Wahda on 08 November 2026.

The starting line-ups give the match a particular Moroccan focus, with En-Nesyri leading the line for Al-Ittihad and Rahimi starting for Al Ain. Both sides will be seeking a positive result in a contest that is important to their ambitions in the AFC Champions League Elite.

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Daraja Kapoor
Daraja Kapoor is a highly respected football journalist, editor and analyst, known for his compelling storytelling and sharp, data-driven insights into the game. He specialises in match analysis, features, emerging talent coverage and football trends across Africa.He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Cape Coast and has built a strong reputation in the media industry through his disciplined approach and deep understanding of football.Daraja received his journalistic training at leading news platform Ghanaguardian.com and has worked with some of the most prominent football websites in Ghana, including Footballmadeinghana.com and Ghanasoccernet.com. He also served as Sports Editor of Talysports.com, where he played a key role in shaping editorial direction and content strategy.He is currently the Managing Editor of African.Football, where he leads the platform’s editorial vision, overseeing content production, quality control and the delivery of authoritative African football coverage to a global audience.

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