With the 2017 Asian Champions League commencing this week, John McAuley casts an eye over the opponents of Al Ahli, Al Jazira, Al Ain and Al Wahda in their respective groups.
GROUP A - AL AHLI
■ Lokomotiv: Won a first Uzbek league title last season to go with the Uzbek Cup, while they reached the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League, defeating Al Hilal along the way. Eventually eliminated by Al Ain. Key men include captain Timur Kapadze and midfielder Kakhi Makharadze, however, Lokomotiv have recently sold several high-profile players.
■ Al Taawoun: Finished fourth in the Saudi Pro League last season to seal a first Champions League berth, while they are currently sixth this year. Managed by former Romania international Constantin Galca, his key men include captain, and assist expert, Jehad Al Hussain and intelligent defender Talal Al Absi.
■ Esteghlal: The Iranian giants are back in the competition following a three-year absence, courtesy of last season's third-placed domestic finish. Then defeated Qatar's Al Sadd on penalties in the play-off. Two-time Asian champions, but long before the tournament was rebranded, key men include goalkeeper and captain Mehdi Rahmati and experienced defender Khosro Heydari. Currently third in the Iranian league.
GROUP B – AL JAZIRA
■ Lekhwiya: The Qatar club ensured their place in the Champions League by securing the Emir Cup last season. Have twice reached quarter-finals, in 2013 and 2015, while last year they exited at the last-16 stage. Key men include Karim Boudiaf in midfield and Moroccan striker Youssef El Arabi. Currently second in the Qatar Stars League.
■ Esteghlal Khuzestan: The Iranians embark on a first foray into the Champions League after winning their domestic title last season for the first time, via goal difference. Key men include captain Mohammed Tayyebi, who marshals the defence, and midfielder Hassan Beyt Saeed, whose goals fired them to the Iran top-flight crown. Currently eighth in the table now, though.
■ Al Fateh: Contesting the Champions League for a second time, the Saudis finished fifth domestically last season and required a play-off against Uzbekistan's Nasaf, which they won 1-0. In 2014, they collected only two points from their group. Key men include captain Hamdan Al Hamdan and Brazilian striker Nathan Junior. Currently second bottom in the Saudi Pro League.
GROUP C – AL AIN
■ Al Ahli Jeddah: Saudi Arabia's best team last season, clinching a third top-flight title. Have serious credentials in the Champions League too, finishing runners-up in 2012, although did not make it past the group stage last time out. Managed by the imitable Christian Gross, their key men include prolific Syrian Omar Al Somah and captain Taisir Al Jassim. Currently fourth domestically.
■ Zobahan: Back in the competition after retaining the Hazfi Cup, the Iranians are looking to improve further on last season's Champions League campaign. Cruised through their group unbeaten, but then exited to Al Ain in the next round. Key men include veteran captain Mehdi Rajabzadeh and forward Morteza Tabrizi. Currently fourth in the Iranian top flight.
■ Bunyodkor: Perennial qualifiers, the Uzbeks needed a penalty shoot-out victory against El Jaish to make the groups. Now dreaming of another run in the competition, although they have struggled to replicate the semi-final runs of 2008 and 2012. Key men include goalscoring midfielder Dostonbek Khamdamov, the 2015 Asian Young Player of the Year, and promising striker Eldor Shomurodov.
GROUP D – AL WAHDA
■ Al Hilal: Genuine continental heavyweights, the two-time Asian champions ensured qualification by finishing runners-up in last season's Saudi Pro League. Were runners-up too in the 2014 Champions League, then semi-finalists in 2015, before a disappointing last-16 exit last year. Key men include Brazilian forward Carlos Eduardo and brilliant right-back Yasser Al Shahrani. Currently lead the Saudi top flight.
■ Al Rayyan: The Qataris are back after a three-year absence courtesy of last season's Qatar Star League title. They will need to improve on their continental record, though: in six previous attempts, Rayyan have never progressed from the groups. Managed by Michael Laudrup, their key men include captain and goalscoring midfielder Rodrigo Tabata and striker Sergio Garcia. Currently third domestically.
■ Persepolis: Lost the Iranian top-flight title on goal difference last season, but return to the Champions League after a one-year absence. Best performance in Asia has been last-16 qualification in 2009, 2012 and 2015. Key men include prolific striker Mehdi Taremi and captain Jalal Hosseini, the reliable defender. Currently top the Iranian league.
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