ACL 2018 – Group D: Al Hilal SFC vs. Esteghlal [Preview]
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Loading...AFC – KUWAIT CITY, Bottom faces top in Group D of the AFC Champions League on Monday when Al Hilal take on Esteghlal at Kuwait Sports Club Stadium.
Esteghlal are already assured of a place in the next round having beaten Al Rayyan 2-0 in early April, but the Iranian side must avoid defeat to win the group.
The two-time continental champions, who are without suspended duo Roozneh Cheshmi and Omid Ebrahimi, warmed up for the game with a 1-1 draw against Gostaresh Foolad Tabriz last week.
Runners-up last year, Al Hilal’s form has dropped dramatically this time round and their 2-1 defeat in Al Ain on Matchday Five confirmed their early elimination.
The Saudi side go into the game on a high, though, after a 4-1 win over Al Fateh secured the Saudi Pro League title on Thursday. Ali Al Bulayhi misses the game through suspension.
