Neftchi Fergana – Al-Ittihad Jeddah: Preview
We have the line‑ups for the Neftchi Fergana vs Al‑Ittihad Jeddah match as part of the second round of the general phase of the AFK Elite Champions League 2026/27. In the third round of the AFK Elite Champions League, representatives from Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia will face off. "Neftchi" seeks to break the streak of failures in head‑to‑head meetings, "Al‑Ittihad" is determined to secure the first win of the tournament.
Key Moments
Neftchi Fergana
1. "Neftchi" does not lose to Asia's best teams
The Oilers started the competition well: in the first round at home they beat "Al‑Kuwu" 1-0. In the second match they fell to "Al‑Nasr" away 1-3. They presented themselves as a solid and disciplined team and could have aimed for more, had it not been for the sending off of Ikromjon Alibaev midway through the second half. In recent matches at their home ground, "Neftchi" exited the Cup and practically won the championship. In the Cup semi‑final they lost to "Lokomotiv" of Tashkent 2-4. In the league, in the leaders’ battle, they were surpassed by "Pakhtakor" 3-1. With five rounds before the final, Islom Ismoilov’s protégés are five points ahead.
2. The hosts’ attack was hampered by injuries and a sending off
Due to the sending off in the last round, Ikromjon Alibaev will not be able to help his teammates. In his absence, the load will be distributed among Abror Ismoilov, Ratinho, Jamshid Iskanderov or Vladimir Yovovich. Yesterday, Zoran Marusic suffered an injury. His participation in the match is in doubt. Likewise, Finnish player Markus Forss was not in the squad against "Al‑Nasr". Therefore, the attack will rely on Stipe Perica. The Croat is the team’s top scorer with 17 goals.
3. "Neftchi" is strong at home, but there are nuances
The Uzbek champion rarely loses on its own turf. Since 21 August 2025, in 22 matches, they have lost only twice, with two draws and 18 wins. The team scores a lot and hardly concedes. But the level of opponents must be considered: with all due respect to Uzbek teams, they are outmatched by one of Saudi Arabia’s best teams. Moreover, the defeats 0-1 against "Pakhtakor" and 2-4 against "Lokomotiv" should not be forgotten. In matches against strong teams, the Oilers even at home are overrun.
Al‑Ittihad Jeddah
1. "Al‑Ittihad" ruined the start of the Champions League
The Saudi club with big ambitions entered the competition. But in the opening matches they disappointed: first they drew 1-1 with "Al‑Shamal" and then lost 1-2 to "Shabab Al‑Ahli". For the next game, the team arrives in good form, winning two Pro‑League matches against "Al‑Ittifak" 4-1 and "Al‑Diriyah" 2-0. "Al‑Ittihad" started again in a stable manner, scoring a lot and improving the defense. They just need to bring that game to the Asian level.
2. Predrag Raikovich returns to help and personnel losses are not critical
The defeats in the early rounds were largely due to problems with Predrag Raikovich. The goalkeeper used to let in an average of one goal per shot. The Serb recovered and became more reliable, immediately influencing the team’s results. Regarding injuries, Roger Fernandez, Hamad Al‑Gamdi and Mamadu Dembia are in recovery with broken cruciate ligaments and are not expected to play soon. Additionally, health issues with the two central defenders Hassan Kadisha and Yan‑Carlo Simic allowed Saad Al‑Muse to play in recent matches. In midfield and attack, normally at a high level, they feature Georgeinho Veilandum, Richard Rio, Ussem Awar and Steven Bergvayn. We cannot forget George Ilenik: he has started scoring consistently, with eight goals this season. Yusuf En‑neseri also competes for a spot at the start. The squad is strong, balanced, and, aside from old injuries, practically loss‑free.
3. "Al‑Ittihad" consistently gains points at home and knows how to beat the Uzbeks
Despite the poor opening in the Champions League, the Saudis in general do not drop from their high level. At home, this season, the team played eight matches, losing only once, with five wins and two draws. In a single match, the Tigers did not score and only conceded more than one goal once. It is worth noting that against "Neftchi" the team has played twice in history, winning both times comfortably: 3-1 and 3-0. So the psychology is in favor of the Saudis.
Approximate Line‑ups
4-2-3-1 4-2-3-11
Ergashyev21 Ubaydullaev20 Gofurov4 Ziger34 Saifiev8 Yovovich77 Ratinho22 Odilov10 Iskanderov7 Ismoilov18 Perica1 Raikovich13 Al Shankiti6 Al Mousa2 Pereira25 Abdi5 Rio30 Lopi23 Veilandum10 Awar34 Bergvayn9 Ilenik
Betting Trends
Both teams scored in Neftchi’s last five matches, and in seven of eight games for Al‑Ittihad. ODS 1.61.
Total over 2.5 played in Neftchi’s last five matches and in six of eight encounters for Al‑Ittihad. TB 2.5 1.60.
Prediction
Neftchi Fergana vs Al‑Ittihad Jeddah 26.10.2026 17:45
The teams started the tournament differently. "Neftchi" presented themselves as a disciplined team, perhaps not always with experience and class, but with excess physicality and commitment. "Al‑Ittihad" has star players available, but failed to show up in the opening matches. Now the Yens Vissinga team is balanced, newcomers have adapted to the squad, and most importantly, the goalkeeper has returned to help and victories have returned. Additionally, the team has two powerful forwards and goal‑scoring competitors for a single spot at the start, replacing each other. The team has a fresh striker in front for the entire match.
In the next match, I will favor the individual talent and experience of the guests, which will allow them to overcome the Uzbeks, who are brave but lack class.
Prediction: 1-2
