Incidentally, both clubs are from the city of Esfahan – 2007 runners-up Sepahan and 2010 runners-up Zob Ahan.
With Tehran giants, who are also archrivals in the local league, Persepolis and Esteghlal completing the list, Iranian fans couldn’t have asked for more.
Two-time champions Al Ittihad of Jeddah lead the Saudi charge alongwith perennial bridesmaids Al Hilal, and Al Nasr and Al Shabab and all three hail from the capital Riyadh.
While three representatives from Japan are not yet confirmed, 2008 ACL winners Gamba Osaka are in the frame to finish in the top three with one round left in the league.
If Gamba make it, then alongside Jeonbuk Motors of Korea, who won the title in 2006 and qualified by defeating 2010 champions Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma in the K-League play-offs, and Al Ittihad, they will be the third former winners in the fray.