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BAGHDAD (Interstat) — Al Zawra’a SC hosts Naft on Wednesday, May 27, in an Iraqi League matchup at a venue to be determined, with both teams seeking to build momentum as the domestic season progresses.

Al Zawra’a enters the contest seeking to rebound from a 2-1 loss at Al Quwa Al Jawiya SC on May 20. Prior to that defeat, the Baghdad-based side had gone unbeaten in six league matches, posting four wins and two draws. A 2-0 victory at Al Mina’a SC on May 10 highlighted their recent form, as did a 3-0 home win over Al Karkh SC on April 18. Coach Ayoub Odisho’s squad has shown defensive solidity, recording five shutouts in its last 10 outings, though consistency in front of goal remains a concern with only one multi-goal performance in that span.

Naft, meanwhile, arrives on a five-match unbeaten run, albeit with four draws in that stretch. The visitors were held to a 1-1 draw at Duhok on May 19, following a similar result at Al Mina’a SC on May 14. Their last victory came April 9, a 1-0 win at Al Gharaf SC. Manager Haider Abdul-Amir’s side has struggled to score, managing only two goals in its past six games. A 3-0 loss at Naft Maysan on May 10 underscored offensive struggles, though Naft’s defense has been resilient, allowing just one goal in its last three matches.

The teams played to a 0-0 draw on Feb. 1 in their most recent meeting at Al Zawra’a’s home ground. That result extended a trend of tight affairs between the clubs.

A computer simulation by Interstat projects a 1-0 victory for Al Zawra’a.

Following Wednesday’s match, Al Zawra’a travels to Al Najaf SC on June 1, while Naft hosts Newroz the same day. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time.