East Bengal's attack has worked against continental opponents as well as in domestic games. Al Seeb's forward commitment gives those quick combinations space to develop. In Baghdad, Al Shorta's wide supply meets an Al Hussein side that has already turned defensive pressure into counterattacks.
Ramirez gives East Bengal a link to the forward and a delivery option from restarts. David scored twice against Al Shorta, and Loba's latest domestic start added combination play as well as finishing. Al Seeb produced plenty of attempts against Al Hussein, but their push for a result also exposed space behind the attack.
The striker choice remains an estimate, with both David and Loba recently used and further options available from the bench. Fawaz's current status and East Bengal's goalkeeper rotation remain unresolved, so neither drives this view. I expect the visitors' forward connections to give them relief when Al Seeb advance. That's why I'm siding with East Bengal to avoid defeat.
Al Shorta's strongest documented service comes through Ahmed Yahya on the left and deliveries into Kuku and the supporting runners. Al Hussein's Al-Haj has shown how to exploit the space left by an advancing opponent, alongside a direct free-kick route. Under Curro Torres, that combination worked at Al Seeb.
Current reports put Abu Bakr out through suspension, changing Al Shorta's midfield allocation. The replacement role is unconfirmed, while Al Hussein rested several continental starters in their latest domestic starting lineup. I expect home width to meet a visiting defence looking for a clean release into Al-Haj, with that outlet helping sustain a competitive match. That's why I'm siding with Al Hussein to avoid defeat.
