Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai FC vs Tractor prediction 02.03.2026 | AFC Champions League

Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai FC return to AFC Elite action after a hard-fought 1:1 draw against Al Wasl in a UAE Pro League contest last Wednesday. Saeid Ezatolahi's second-half goal secured a well-deserved point for Paulo Sousa's side. 

The UAE champions have not been at their best in recent weeks, failing to win three of their last four fixtures.

Monday's hosts also laboured to secure qualification for the knockout phase of the AFC Elite. Shabab failed to win four of their last five fixtures in the eight-game, 12-team section. Sousa's side eventually finished sixth in the section, with 11 points collected.

Head coach Sousa is expected to make at least one change to his first XI. Sultan Adil was forced-off just 21 minutes into the draw against Al Wasl and is likely to drop out this week. Federico Cartabia is expected to deputise for the home side. 

Tractor make the trip to the UAE in winning form after a narrow 1:0 victory against Gol Gohar on Thursday. Mehdi Hashemnejad' goal, five minutes before half-time, secured the points for Mohammad Rabiei's side. 

The Persian Gulf Pro League champions have been in solid form, picking up five wins and losing just two of their last nine matches. 

An impressive AFC Elite campaign saw Tractor finish third in the West section, with five wins and just one defeat recorded from eight fixtures. Rabiei's men eventually finished third, with 17 points on the board. 

Strong on the road, the Red Wolves avoided defeat in all four of their AFC Elite fixtures this season, with three victories secured on their travels. 

Head coach Rabiei has two confirmed absentees this week. Igor Postonjski and Sadegh Moharrami remain long-term absentees for the Iranians.