The Etihad team has managed to attract a number of European champions to join them, such as Bin Schma, Nikolaj Jandi and Fabinho, all three of whom have won the UEFA Europa League trophy in Europe. Now, they hope to replicate that feat on the Asian stage, aiming for AFC Champions League glory.
Upon first meeting the Etihad, one is impressed by the strength of their midfield line-up, meaning that Jandy and Fabinho will limit the opposition's possession to a great extent.
In the striker position, Binschmar is not only expected to score goals, but also inspire his teammates' potential. Since he joined the team, the performances of two players, Romano Leno and Hamdana, have been significantly improved as a result, with their impressive AFC Cup scoring records over the years.
The fact that they have managed to occupy starting positions despite the inclusion of a host of stars speaks volumes about their key role in Ittihad's push for a third AFC Cup title.
During my time playing for Korean team FC Seoul, I know how tough it is to challenge Iran away from home. The passion of the local fans and the intense atmosphere of the venue will certainly make it a challenging game for Etihad.
While Shabahan may not have as many star players as Etihad, they have a group of experienced veterans. Leshayan, the attacking right-hander, has scored in two World Cups and was a huge threat to the team's attacking end, especially when he was instrumental in facing Wales in last year's World Cup in Qatar. Core player Amadi Shad, who represented the team in the AFC Champions League in Persepolis, has performed well, while Mongkhanlou's high goalscoring performance has emphasized Sabahan's attacking strength.
