Qatar’s Al Sadd eye their third continental title when they play host to Iran’s Persepolis in the first leg of their AFC Champions League semifinal on Tuesday, 2nd October. The kick-off is at 18:15.

The other semifinal pits Japan’s Kashima Antlers against South Korea’s Suwon Samsung Bluewings.

Al Sadd, who had emerged as Asian champions in 1989 as well as 2011 and went on to finish third in the Club World Cup in 2011, had ended up runners-up behind Persepolis in Group C this year.

The Wolves overcame Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli and then Iran’s Esteghlal in the knockout rounds, and have not lost since the end of group stage.

Their last defeat was to Persepolis who secured a 1-0 win in Tehran to top Group C, before the Iranian side knocked out Al Jazira in the Round of 16 and claimed a remarkable come-from-behind victory over another Qatari side Al Duhail in the quarterfinals.

Al Sadd had defeated Persepolis 3-1 when they faced off in Doha this year.

Persepolis are appearing in their second successive semifinal after advancing for the first time last year, before eventually losing to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal.

Al Sadd can look to capitalise on the home advantage in the first leg against Persepolis before they travel to Tehran for the away fixture at the Azadi Stadium on 23rd October.

Al Sadd have no injury worries and can field their full team. The likes of Xavi Hernandez, Gabi Fernandez, Baghdad Bounedjah, Akram Afif and Hassan Al Haydous all have great potential to deliver the goods and that should make Portuguese coach Jesualdo Ferreira a confident man.

Moreover, Al Sadd have been in great form on the domestic scene too. They are topping the QNB Stars League after seven rounds and Bounedjah is leading the scorers’ chart with 14 goals, with Akram second on eight goals.