ACL MD3 – Group C: Pakhtakor vs. Tractorsazi Tabriz [Preview]

AFC – TASHKENT, Coach Amir Ghalenoei will consider changes to his Tractorsazi Tabriz squad for Tuesday’s meeting with Pakhtakor in the AFC Champions League despite the Persian Gulf Pro League side currently leading the way in Group C with a 100% record after two games.

Iran’s Tractorsazi have recorded back-to-back wins over Al Jazira of the United Arab Emirates at the start of the campaign having posted a 4-0 win at home last month before scoring the only goal of the game in the return fixture in Abu Dhabi two weeks ago.

But despite those results handing Tractorsazi a two point lead at the top of Group C after just two games, Ghalenoei is eyeing changes with Brazilian defender Carlos Cardoso in contention to play alongside compatriot Augusto, who started the first two games before being substituted early in the second half on both occasions.

“Pakhtakor is a strong team and they have begun their championship with two victories. The match will be very tough. We should use space and our speed tomorrow,” said Tractorsazi coach Ghalenoei (pictured).

“We will try to create pressure. My team played such a game against Jazira and we won that match. Our goal is also to play well in defence.

“You have always a chance to score in football. If we collect points against Pakhtakor, we will have very good chance to go to the next stage.

“We have a good squad and any player can replace each other. I changed my squad for the ACL and it gave us good result. We may change the squad tomorrow as Cardoso is ready to play.”

Pakhtakor currently find themselves third in Group C after losing 4-1 in Saudi Arabia to Al Hilal earlier this month having shared a 2-2 draw in Tashkent on Matchday One.

But Numon Khasanov’s side have started the defence of their Uzbek League title with back-to-back wins since the defeat in Riyadh two weeks ago.

“The game with Tractorsazi is very important for us as our target is to qualify to the next round,” said Pakhtakor coach Khasanov, who will be without defender Davronbek Khashimov due to suspension.

“The players are ready for the battle and we will play for victory. My team will try to play good football.

“We have studied our opponents well. We have looked at their players some of them will be very dangerous. Iranian clubs give a lot of attention to athletic football and they use long passes usually.

“We will try to use several tactics during the game. We have to score goals and not concede. We are playing at home and have to win.”

Photo: Lagardère Sports