A 0-0 scoreline in this first-leg clash doesn't seem like a relatively fair result for either team. Iaan need only a home win to advance to the last eight of this year's AFC Champions League, while Nasaf keep their dream of advancing for the first time alive.
Looking back at the first leg of the Round of 16, Iaan's team created a lot of chances, not only hitting the post, but also allowing Nassaf's goalkeeper to make a number of good saves. Perhaps the victory should have been theirs. Dangerous moves by wingers Sophie Anlahime and Jonathon Santosh almost brought them the goal. I predict that they will once again cause problems in the attacking end of the field in this match, and the Nazav center back line will have to be on their toes against these two.
Gezunaba will take on the role of leading the way up front, trying to find chances in the box. As the top scorer in the UAE league, he has scored five goals in the AFC Champions League and is undoubtedly the team's biggest threat.
On the flip side, Nazav is a well executed team with every player running relentlessly for their teammates. However, I think their offensive line seems to lack enough firepower.
If Adisuligov hadn't missed that great chance in the first leg, he would have already had the goal in the bag. I don't think that Nazav will create too many chances in this game, so if Schdigov and his striker partner Zugas get a chance, make sure to capitalize on it and convert the goal.
In addition, if Schdigov can pass accurately on set piece plays, he might also be able to put pressure on the AIAN defense, especially if the opposing defense is shaky.
