Al-Zawraa enters the capital's derby against Al-Shorta on Monday evening searching for more than just three points. A victory over the traditional rival means restoring prestige and breaking the series of fluctuating results. Despite the absences affecting the team, the "Nawras" have three factors that may give them an advantage if properly exploited on the field of the People's International Stadium.

The first factor:

In derby matches specifically, morale remains the decisive factor that sometimes outweighs technical and point differences. Al-Zawraa is required to have its players enter the Al-Shorta confrontation with a 'no loss' mentality and high combativeness from the first minute until the final whistle.

The history of the confrontations between the two teams shows that the team with more desire and enthusiasm is the one that settles matters, regardless of the table ranking. High spirits compensate for absences, reduce the impact of pressures, and give players additional ability to run, tackle, and fight for every ball. If Louay Salah succeeds in mentally charging his players and convincing them that the derby is the match of the season, then half the mission is accomplished.

Al-Zawraa's audience expects to see their team play with the known "Nawras spirit," which does not know surrender and fights for the emblem. This psychological factor may be sufficient to confuse Al-Shorta despite its superiority on paper.

The second factor:

Despite the absence of Mohammed Qasim, Alexander Oraha, and Clarence Junior, Al-Zawraa still has a group of distinguished players in various lines capable of turning the equation with an individual moment or a tactical sequence.

The team includes elements with experience and skill in the backline, midfield, and attack, and names that have previously decided big matches. The problem in the last three rounds was not in performance, but in the absence of the final touch, as admitted by player Hussein Falah. If offensive effectiveness is present and the team translates the chances it creates, the quality of its players is enough to shake any opponent's net.

Louay Salah has tools he can employ to hit Al-Shorta's weaknesses, whether through the flanks, set-pieces, or shooting from outside the area. Betting on individual brilliance from one of the available names may be the secret word in the derby.

The third factor:

Al-Zawraa enters the match coming from three consecutive draws, the last of which was 1-1 against Zakho, a series that has kept them away from the top positions and frozen their tally at 48 points in fifth place. This repeated stumble internally generates a doubled desire to achieve a victory that returns the team to the path of victories.

And there is no better gateway than the derby and specifically against Al-Shorta to achieve this comeback. A win over the "Qithara," the runner-up with 59 points, will have a double effect: 3 points in the league table, a huge morale boost for players and fans, and a message that Al-Zawraa is still a tough number despite all circumstances.