Preview
The conditions surrounding Iranian clubs competing in the AFC Champions League are extremely challenging at the moment. Iranian teams have been stripped of their hosting rights and are therefore unable to play their continental fixtures on home soil, forcing them into constant travel and further disrupting their preparation.
The demanding schedule also leaves very little time for recovery between matches, with the additional travelling placing considerable physical strain on the players. Tractor face another major challenge today, as they will be without several important players, including Beiranvand (7/0), the Iranian national team goalkeeper, as well as Torabi (3/0), Hashemnejad and several others.
Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai possess a strong and well-balanced squad featuring considerable international experience. Their roster includes six Brazilian, Argentinian, Serbian and Uruguayan players, alongside several experienced Iranian internationals. One of their biggest names is striker Sardar Azmoun, who has previously played for Bayer Leverkusen and AS Roma.
Taking into account the difficult circumstances surrounding Tractor, constant travelling and several important absences, I believe Shabab Al-Ahli are the stronger side at the moment.