AFC - Esteghlal coach Amir Ghalanoei will be looking for a positive start by his side in this season’s AFC Champions League when the Iranian champions take on Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab in their Group A opener at the Azadi Stadium on Tuesday.

While Tehran side reached the semi-finals for the first time last year, Ghalaneoi expects a tough test against the Saudi club.

“Al Shabab are a very good and powerful team, especially in midfield and up front. If we can cut the link between their midfield and attack by outplaying players like Fernando Menegazzo, then we can keep the upper hand throughout the match,” said the former Iran national coach.

“This is the opening match of the tournament for both sides, so the first three points can be very important for either of us. Fortunately Andranik Teymourian, Khosro Heidari and Iman Mobali have returned to fitness and we should have a full house for the game.

“We have played against Al Shabab in the past and we know them very well, I know this is not the same team, but it gives us confidence to gear up well for the opener.”

Esteghlal will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 4-2 loss at Malavan which prevented them from returning to the top of the Iran Pro League.

“It’s true that we conceded four goals in our last league match but every team makes mistakes during a title race, even Barcelona who lost 3-1 in the Primera Liga recently,” Ghalanoei added.

“Last year we had a group of players who were well organised, but this year some of them left before the AFC Champions League, so now we have to continue with the weapons we have in hand.”

Al Shabab also conceded four goals in their last outing, a shock 4-1 loss at bottom side Al Nandha in the Saudi Pro League last Friday. However, their coach Ammar Souayah views that result as a blip.

“We know it’s going to be a tough match for us,” said the Tunisian. “We’ve lost our last league match 4-1, but we’re not a team to lose two important matches in a row.

“We’re not a team to concede four goals in one match and that was our unlucky day, but I’m certain you’ll see a much better performance against Esteghlal tomorrow.”

Souayah downplayed the absence of forwards Naif Hazazi and Imad Khalili through injury and suggested that the age of the Esteghlal players could be a telling factor in the match.

“The average age of our Iranian opponents is rather high and we only have to wait and see whether this high average turn out useful for them in terms of experience or will be useful for us in terms of the speed of the players.

“We have two injured players who have been sidelined for a while but apart from them, all of our other players are ready for tomorrow’s mission.

“We’re not unaccustomed to playing against huge crowds. But even in our league, we’ve got our best results against big team with massive support.

“I’m confident we can keep the same attitude and put out a great show against Esteghlal and their vocal supporters.”