Mosimane dreading third straight loss at Esteghlal? 'Neymar's Al Hilal are a big team'

Esteghlal are set to play Neymar's Al Hilal at Kingdom Arena in the AFC Champions League assignment on Monday night.

Coach Pitso Mosimane's outfit are currently placed sixth on the West table after collecting just three points from as many matches played.

The Monday outing will be Mosimane's third match since taking over as Esteghlal coach a couple of days ago.

Mosimane's Capital Blues fell 3-1 in his first game against Kheybar Khorramabad in the Persian Gulf Pro League before registering another 2-0 loss from Tractor on Thursday.

It will be crucial for Jingles and his squad to deliver on Monday when they play A Hilal who have so far collected maximum points in their pool.

"They are a big team that is always in the semi-final or final in Asia and they are the Champions of the Saudi league," he told the media ahead of the fixture.

"They've been playing very well and they have a team of quality and not only individual quality but they play well together, because many teams in Saudi have got important players, but Hilal play together more and they play convincing football.

"Other teams might have big stars but Hilal play together and they are a good team with a chance to win," Mosimane concluded.

It will be a tough outing for Esteghlal but Mosimane and his team have no option but to try and push for a positive outcome.

A good result on Monday night will surely motivate the players ahead of the league game against Mes Rafsanjan.