Persepolis and SC Isolde are out of the knockout stage and are in the thick of this year's AFC Champions League Elite Group stage. I firmly believe that the matchup between these two teams will determine who will be able to make it to the Top 16.
Persepolis has had many successes in the AFC Champions League in the past, reaching the final twice. This year, however, their path to the final has been fraught with obstacles, with two consecutive defeats in the five rounds of the group stage, and few high points to show for it.
The defense of Persepolis is an impenetrable fortress, a trait that has remained consistent since their playing days. Despite their mediocre record, they have only conceded 5 goals so far, highlighting the tightness and toughness of their defense. However, their offense has struggled, collecting only 3 goals.
Arripua's AFC Champions League goal tally is quite impressive, and with the Portuguese returning to Persepolis this July, I'm confident that he's carrying a heavy load and is expected to contribute more goals to the team. Lucaszuo, on the other hand, is expected to be another goal machine. Amansada and Amelie's precise passing and great vision are enough to tear through any opponent's defense.
SC Esolda have lost more than they have won in five rounds of group stage matches, and have recently lost two consecutive matches, conceding a cumulative total of eight goals.
Although SC Alsoda has a group of powerhouse strikers such as Mohanad Ali, who has been hailed as one of the best in Iraqi soccer for years, they also excel in the supporting positions. Hussein Ali, on the other hand, creates chances for his teammates up front with his excellent twisting and passing skills.
Despite SC Esolda's star-studded frontcourt, they are slightly weak in other positions. Accordingly, I expect Persepolis to ride the wave of hope and hopefully rekindle the flame of hope in the knockout rounds and make it to the top 16.
