AFC Champions League 2024/25: Group Stage Betting Tips

The 2024/25 AFC Champions League group stage is rapidly reaching its culmination with just two game weeks left.

While some teams are already guaranteed a place in the knockout phase, others still have work to do to progress to the next phase.

While much of the spotlight will be on Saudi Pro League (SPL) giants Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, it would be foolish to write off the chances of other teams in the competition.

The excitement is bubbling over into the betting community. Punters will be keen to boost their bankroll for wagering on the latter stages of prestigious tournament.

Sports betting in Arab countries has gained plenty of traction in recent years, and the AFC Champions League has been at the forefront of the increased activity.

Every fixture has the potential to be a thriller, which should play into the hands of savvy bettors, so read on as we offer betting tips on some of the biggest upcoming games.

Al-Ain vs Al-Rayyan

Al-Ain kick off matchday seven’s round of fixtures by hosting Qatari giants Al-Rayyan at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on February 3.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) powerhouse sent shockwaves throughout the region after winning their second AFC Champions League title last season.

However, Al-Ain have failed to win any of their six Champions League games this term (D2, L4) and need a miracle to progress this time around.

Al-Ain have parted ways with manager Hernan Crespo and replaced him with Leonardo Jardim. He has been tasked with leading the reigning champions to the knockout phase.

For that to happen, they need to win their next two games and will fancy their chances against an equally struggling Al-Rayyan.

The Qatari team have taken just five points from six AFC Champions League games and also need a win against Al-Ain to boost their hopes of getting over the line. The last time these two sides squared off in the Champions League, they settled for a share of the spoils in the UAE before Al-Ain claimed a 4-1 win in Qatar.

They have come a long way from that 2018 encounter, but with just three points separating them ahead of kick-off, fans and punters can expect a high-scoring affair.

Al-Nassr vs Al-Wasl

Al-Nassr head into their penultimate AFC Champions League group stage clash against Al-Wasl without an unblemished record.

They fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Al-Sadd in their last outing, with the visitors netting a last-minute penalty to snatch three points.

Al Nassr have already qualified for the knockout phase, but they will be eager to bounce back when an when an impressive Al-Wasl side visits the Saudi Arabian capital.

The reigning UAE top-flight champions are riding the high of a four-match unbeaten streak in the Champions League (W2, D2) and will be keen to preserve that record.

The defeat against Al-Sadd was Al-Nassr’s first in the Champions League this season, and they will head into the game against Al-Wasl as overwhelming favourites to win. Araba punters may fancy wagering on the goals market, considering there have been 3+ goals in five of Al-Nassr’s last six games.

Al Hilal vs Persepolis

Al-Hilal will welcome Iranian powerhouse Persepolis to the Kingdom Arena for their matchday seven encounter, hoping to maintain their unbeaten run in the AFC Champions League.

The 2022 runners-up are bidding to get their hands on the holy grail for the first time since 2021 and have been in impeccable continental form this season.

Al-Hilal are one of only two teams - alongside Saudi counterparts Al-Ahli - yet to taste defeat and are the favourites to preserve that record against Persepolis. The Red Army are flying high in the Iranian top-flight title race, but they have struggled to carry that form into the AFC Champions League, winning just one of their six games (D3, L2).

They have shown grit and determination over the past three games, but it may not be enough to keep the free-scoring Al-Hilal at bay.

Boasting the best-attacking record in the competition, the Saudi giants will undoubtedly be a popular pick among Arab punters, who will back them to beat Persepolis with a minimum of fuss.