AFC Champions League 2017 matchday four: Group A,C preview

Group A

After moving into pole position in Group A with a 2-0 victory over Lokomotiv three weeks ago, Esteghlal will look to at least maintain their two-point lead at the top the standings ahead of the return fixture in Tashkent on Tuesday.

Lokomotiv currently prop up the table but would move level with their opponents if they could make it two home wins from two in the continental competition.

Elsewhere, Al Taawoun and the United Arab Emirates’ Al Ahli are on four points apiece after the pair played out a scoreless draw in Dubai in mid-March and both will be aiming to solidify a top-two position ahead of the return clash in Buraidah.

Lokomotiv (UZB) v Esteghlal (IRN) Venue: Lokomotiv Stadium, Tashkent Kick-off: April 11, 16:00 UTC+5

Al Taawoun (KSA) v Al Ahli (UAE) Venue: King Abdullah Stadium, Buraidah Kick-off: April 11, 19:05 UTC+3

Group C

Finally in the West, top spot is up for grabs in Group C as 2016 AFC Champions League runners-up Al Ain host Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli on Tuesday with the Emiratis currently two points adrift of their table-topping opponents.

The sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in Jeddah last month as both remained unbeaten at the midway point of the group stage.

Hot on their heels are Zobahan, who won 2-0 at Bunyodkor on Matchday Three and would give themselves a real chance of progressing to the knockout stage by completing a double over the Uzbek side, who could reignite their slim last 16 hopes with victory.

Zobahan (IRN) v Bunyodkor (UZB) Venue: Foolad Shahr Stadium, Isfahan Kick-off: April 11, 20:00 UTC+4:30

Al Ain (UAE) v Al Ahli (KSA) Venue: Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain Kick-off: April 11, 19:35 UTC+4