Sharjah FC faces a daunting challenge as it hosts Al Hilal SFC in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 Matchday 6 on Monday. No team has defeated the Saudi leaders this season, but Sharjah aims to change that while fighting for a Round of 16 spot. Al Hilal tops the West Zone with a perfect 15 points, eight ahead of seventh-placed Sharjah.
The West Zone of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 resumes after a month's break with Matchday 6 fixtures, including Sharjah FC's home clash against Al Hilal SFC on December 22 at 16:00 local time in Sharjah, UAE.
Sharjah enters the match in seventh place with seven points, trailing Al Hilal's impeccable 15 points from five games. The UAE side is on a mission to achieve what no opponent has managed this season: a victory over the Saudi powerhouse. As per the official preview, 'Sharjah FC will be on a mission to achieve what no team has been able to do this season - defeat Al Hilal SFC.' This encounter is crucial for Sharjah, which needs points to secure one of the six remaining Round of 16 spots, with Al Hilal already qualified.
Al Hilal has dominated the competition, remaining unbeaten and leading the standings. Data analysis from Sports Mole predicts a 61.09% chance of an Al Hilal win, with the most likely scoreline being 1-2. A draw stands at 20.12%, while Sharjah's victory probability is 18.79%, with 2-1 as the likeliest upset score.
Broader context in the West Zone sees Al Wahda also qualified, leaving intense competition for the other positions. Other Matchday 6 games include Al Gharafa SC versus Al Wahda FC, Tractor FC versus Al Duhail SC, and Al Shorta versus Al Ahli Saudi FC. Notably, Sharjah previously ended Al Ahli's 22-match unbeaten continental run, showcasing its potential to upset strong sides.
This pulsating matchday promises high stakes, with Tractor FC able to confirm its advancement with a win over Al Duhail.
