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Al-Ahli and Persepolis clash at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on Monday for their opening game of the AFC Champions League in the West Region. The Royals are coming off the back of a 1-1 draw with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, with Bassam Mohammed's 99th-minute own goal giving their hosts a point.
It's been a disappointing start to the season for the side, who've won just once from three league games, and have four points in the bag. They sit in ninth position right now.
Matthias Jaissle's side were also beaten on penalties by Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup semi-finals in their season-opener a month ago. If they are to begin their Champions League campaign on a positive note, the Jeddah outfit must pick up the pace, or see their progression hopes dissipate sooner rather than later.
Standing in their way are Iranian giants Persepolis, who retained their league crown last season. The Iranian side have reached the AFC Champions League finals twice in the last six years, but they failed to light up the competition last year, bowing out in the first round.
The Red Army is coming off the back of their first league win though, beating Foolad 2-0 at home through second-half goals from Oston Urunov and Vahid Amiri. The Tehran side will be looking to build on this momentum and get their campaign off to a positive start.
Al-Ahli vs Persepolis Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the fifth meeting between the sides in history.
- In the previous four meetings, the Saudi side won once and lost twice.
- In their most recent encounter, coming in April 2019 in the AFC Champions League group stages, the Royals won 2-1 against the Iranian champions.
- The Jeddah outfit have won just once from four official games this season, a 2-0 defeat of Al-Orobah in the Saudi Pro League.
- Persepolis are unbeaten in three official games this season, drawing twice.
Al-Ahli vs Persepolis Prediction
Al-Ahli haven't been in good shape so far this season, struggling for consistent results. This could hamper their chances here too, with Persepolis no pushovers.
The Red Army show up in the big games on big occasions like the Champions League, regardless of their league form. We expect to see that here too, with the match eventually ending in a draw.
Prediction: Al-Ahli 1-1 Persepolis
Al-Ahli vs Persepolis Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Draw
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: Yes
