KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Al Ain prepare to meet Iranian opponents Tractor at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium for Matchday 3 of the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday. The fixture comes as Al Ain attempt to stabilise their campaign following recent domestic setbacks.
Domestically, they have experienced turbulence, including a recent extra-time defeat to Shabab Al Ahli in the UAE President's Cup and a league loss at the same opponents.
However, Al Ain have won both their matches in the West league side of the Elite division, scoring four goals in each match. Houssine Rahimi has been at the forefront of the Ainawi’s charge, with the Moroccan forward scoring four of their eight goals.
Al Ain are unbeaten in their two AFC Champions League Elite meetings with Tractor but this is the first time since September 2020 that they will be facing a side from Iran and are on a six-game winless run in the continental competition.
Tractor travel to the UAE following mixed results in domestic fixtures and Asian action as well, having recorded a scoreless draw in their previous group stage match. Tactical setups for both sides suggest a cagey encounter as Group B positions begin to take shape.
Meanwhile, fellow UAE representatives Shabab Al Ahli continue preparations to host Esteghlal at Rashid Stadium on Tuesday.
Shabab Al Ahli enter their fixture with momentum following consecutive domestic victories against Al Ain, providing a psychological edge ahead of their home match against Iranian opposition.
This game will also be an interesting tussle between Iranians Sardar Azmoun of Shabab – second round’s Player of the Week - and Estaghlal defender Hossein Goudarzi, who was also nominated on that list.