The Qatari trio of Al Gharafa, Al Sadd and Al Rayyan look forward to the fifth round of AFC Champions League with high hopes as they continue their campaign on Monday and Tuesday.

New QNB Stars League champions Al Duhail had already made it to the Round of 16 after the fourth-round action.

On Monday, Al Rayyan will play away at Iran’s Esteghlal (18:30) at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran, while Al Sadd host the UAE’s Al Wasl (19:00).

On Tuesday, new QNB Stars League champions Al Duhail are away at Iran’s Zobahan (17:15) at the Foolad Stadium in Isfahan, whereas Al Gharafa play host to the UAE’s Al Jazira (18:30).

Kick-offs are given in Doha time.

Al Gharafa

Al Gharafa are seeking to improve their chances of qualifying from Group A when they host the UAE’s Al Jazira in a tough game.

Al Gharafa would be looking for their second victory. They are third in Group A with five points, behind Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli (eight) and Al Jazira (five). Iran’s Tractorsazi Tabriz are last with two points.

Victory will be a big boost for them ahead of their last-round away game against Iran’s Tractorsazi Tabriz.

The Cheetahs had lost to Al Jazira in the opening round.

Al Duhail

Al Duhail would be keen on extending their winning streak when they face Iran’s Zobahan.

Al Duhail are in outstanding form this season, both at home and at the continental level. They had become the first team to qualify for the knockout stage after the fourth round with an all-win record.

The Red Knights are on top of Group B with 12 points, followed by Zobahan, Uzbekistan’s Lokomotiv and the UAE’s Al Wahda, in that order.

On the other hand, Zobahan have much at stake as they seek to be the second team to advance from the group.

Al Sadd

Al Sadd would look forward to keeping their top spot in Group C when they host Al Wasl.

Al Sadd are leading the group with nine points, followed by Iran’s Persepolis (nine), Uzbekistan’s Nasaf (six) and Al Wasl, who have yet to open their account.

If Al Sadd and Persepolis both win, then they will progress to the pre-quarterfinals from the group.

At the same time, Al Wasl will have a point to prove as they have not registered a win, let alone a draw.

Al Rayyan

Al Rayyan, who have been assured of the third position in this season’s QNB Stars League that is coming to a close this weekend, will not want nothing less than a  victory when they lock horns with Esteghlal in Iranian capital Tehran.

Al Rayyan are second in Group D with six points behind Esteghlal, who also have the same number of points but ahead by virtue of better performance. The Lions had drawn their first three matches before their victory over Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in the last round.

Al Ain are third with four points, followed by Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal on two.

A win will also make their position comfortable before they host Al Ain in the final round.

The opening-round game between Al Rayyan and Esteghlal had ended in a draw.