TEHRAN – Persepolis coach Branko Ivankovic ranked Al Ahli among Saudi Arabia top four teams and said they will have a difficult task against the team.

Persepolis, who eliminated Al Ahli at the quarter-final stage of the 2017 edition, will meet the team at Al Wasl Stadium in Group D of the AFC Champions League in Dubai on Tuesday.

The Iranian giants, who are on strong form domestically and have won their past three Iranian Pro League games, have picked up just one point from two games after going down to Al Sadd 1-0 on Matchday Two. 

Al Ahli sit second in the group with three points.

“First, I would like to thank Al Wasl officials for providing the conditions for us to host Al Ahli. We know how strong Al Ahli are but Persepolis are ready to take the team,” Ivankovic said.

“I had said Persepolis and Esteghlal have been drawn in tough groups. In this match, Hossein Mahini and Mohammad Ansari will be absent and the other players are fit,” the Croat added.