Tasnim - Persepolis coach Branko Ivankovic is optimistic that his team will beat Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia in the AFC Champions League.
Persepolis will face Al-Hilal in Group D at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman on Monday.
Persepolis has dropped to third place in the group standings after the team failed to win since Matchday Two.
“Persepolis has a difficult match against Al-Hilal. The Saudi Arabian team has been always present in the AFC Champions League and it shows it is a strong team,” Ivankovic said.
“We drew 1-1 with Al-Hilal in ACL Matchday 1 and I have to say we are not underdog against them,” the Croat added.
The Iranian side will be without suspended duo Jalal Hosseini and Soroush Rafiei but go into the tie on a high after being crowned Iran Professional League champion since last appearing on the continent.
“Hosseini and Rafiei are not available in this match and Mohammad Ansari is a doubt for and it shows we have a difficult match against Al-Hilal,” Persepolis coach concluded.
The Saudi team, who has Nawaf Al Abid available after suspension, currently sits three points ahead of Persepolis.