The AFC Champions League 2018 enters Matchday Three in the West Zone on Monday. Here is a look at what awaits us this week:
GROUP A
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Al Gharafa (QAT) v Al Ahli (KSA):
The first match in Group A sees Qatar's Al Gharafa host Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli on Monday. Al Ahli have recorded back-to-back wins in their opening two games and will be looking to move a step closer to the knockout stages when they take on Al Gharafa who are also on a high after winning their last match against Tractorsazi Tabrizi.
Venue: Thani Bin Jassim Stadium, Doha
Kick-off: March 5, 18:10 UTC+3
Al Jazira (UAE) v Tractorsazi Tabriz (IRN):
UAE's Al Jazira will be up against Iranian side Tractorsazi Tabrizi on Monday. Al Jazira were beaten by Al Gharafa in their previous match but will be hoping see off the Iranian team who are yet to pick up a point from their opening two games. The Iranians desperately need a positive result from this game or see their chances of going through from the group diminish considerably.
Venue: Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Kick-off: March 5, 19:00 UTC+4
GROUP B
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Zobahan (IRN) v Al Wahda (UAE):
Iran's Zobahan host UAE's Al Wahda on Tuesday as they look to build on their win from the last matchday. Against an Al Wahda side who are yet to notch a point in the tournament, Zobahan are certainly favourites to get back-to-back home wins that should put them in a strong position in the group.
Venue: Foolad Shahr Stadium, Isfahan
Kick-off: March 6, 16:00 UTC+3:30
Al Duhail (QAT) v Lokomotiv (UZB):
Qatari side Al Duhail will be looking to maintain their perfect start to the tournament when they host Uzbek champions Lokomotiv Tashkent. A third win on the trot should give Al Duhail control over the group and Lokomotiv will need to be at their best ensure that does not happen.
Venue: Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha
Kick-off: March 6, 18:00 UTC+3
GROUP C
Nasaf (UZB) v Al Sadd (QAT):
Uzbekistan's FC Nasaf will be up against Qatar's Al Sadd on Monday. The Uzbek team posted their first win of the campaign last week by seeing off Al Wasl 1-0 but will have their hands full this time around. For Al Sadd are the early season pace-setters in the group and have won both their games. It should make for an intriguing clash.
Venue: Qarshi Markaziy Stadium, Qarshi
Kick-off: March 5, 18:30 UTC+5
Persepolis (IRN) v Al Wasl (UAE):
Iranian outfit Persepolis host struggling Al Wasl on Monday in the other Group C clash. Persepolis will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Al Sadd in the previous match while Al Wasl are yet to pick up a point in the group. Moreover, Persepolis' home form is quite solid and the Emirati team might be in for a night of pain.
Venue: Azadi Stadium, Tehran
Kick-off: March 5, 17:15 UTC+3:30
GROUP D
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Al Ain (UAE) v Esteghlal (IRN):
UAE's Al Ain are up against group leaders Esteghlal at home on Tuesday. Al Ain have drawn both their previous games and will finally be looking to notch their first win of the campaign. But it won't be easy against Esteghlal who defeated Al Hilal 1-0 in the previous game.
Venue: Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
Kick-off: March 6, 19:20 UTC+4
Al Hilal (KSA) v Al Rayyan (QAT):
Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal are at home to Qatar's Al Rayyan on Tuesday. The Saudi Arabian side have just the one point in what is turning out to be a compact group. Their opponents Al Rayyan, on the other hand, will want a win to add to their two draws and be well-placed in the group.
Venue: King Saud University Stadium, Riyadh
Kick-off: March 6, 20:15 UTC+3
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