ACL 2017 MD5 – Group D: Al Hilal vs. Persepolis [PREVIEW]

AFC – MUSCAT, Al Hilal will open up an unassailable lead over opponents Persepolis and advance to the last 16 of the AFC Champions League should they defeat the Iranian side in Group D at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on Monday.

The Saudi team, who have Nawaf Al Abid available after suspension, currently sit three points ahead of Persepolis and warmed up for the encounter with a 2-1 victory over Al Shabab to seal the Saudi Pro League title.

Failure to win since Matchday Two has seen opponents Persepolis drop to third place in the standings and leaves them in need of a victory. They will be without suspended duo Jalal Hosseini and Soroush Rafieitelgary but go into the tie on a high after being crowned Iran Pro League champions since last appearing on the continent.