Suwon Bluewings – Zob Ahan preview

GOAL – SUWON, The Asian Champions League quarter-finals get underway on Wednesday, so here’s Goal.com’s preview of Suwon Bluewings against Zob Ahan.

Suwon, who qualified for the 2011 ACL as 2010 Korean FA Cup winners, are currently in fourth spot in the K-League and firmed up their grip on a play-offs spot on Saturday with a 3-2 win over Seongnam Ilhwa. Suwon are unbeaten in their past seven games.

Bluewings are still unbeaten in the 2011 ACL, easing past Japanese champions Nagoya Grampus 2-0 in the Round of 16, after disposing of Sydney FC and Shanghai Shenhua in the group stage. They are also unbeaten at home in the ACL in 26 games.

Zob Ahan, who reached the 2011 ACL after they were Iranian runners-up in 2009-10, are currently in fifth place domestically, after six games this season. Zob Ahan drew 2-2 with Persepolis at home on Thursday, after again conceding a late goal.

The Iranians, who were beaten in the 2010 ACL final, crushed Saudi club Al Nassr 4-1 in the Round of 16, having previously topped Group D ahead of Al Shabab.

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Suwon Bluewings

Yoon Sung-Hyo has to decide on whether to risk Ha Tae-Goon, who has five ACL goals this year, while defender Hwang Jae-Woon misses the clash as he recovers from a knee injury. Since their Round of 16 win over Nagoya, Suwon have signed former AFC Champions League winner Stevica Ristic and he’s been in form since joining the club with six strikes in eight games, including one on the weekend.

Zob Ahan

The Iranians will have to cope without vice-captain Ghasem Hadadifar who injured his hamstring on national team duty recently. Since Zob Ahan’s last ACL encounter there has been a host of changes including the departure of key man Mohammad Reza Khalatbari but also the arrival of Iraq international Hawar Mulla Mohammed and Portuguese star Hugo Machado who impressed against Persepolis.