Shabab Al Ahli-Esteghlal set for cracker
Shabab Al Ahli and Esteghlal FC are two of four teams with a perfect start after two matchdays but one - if not both - will drop points when they square off on Tuesday. UAE's Shabab Al Ahli - with home ground advantage - will fancy their chances but Islamic Republic of Iran's Esteghlal will certainly be their toughest test yet.

All eyes on Beijing, Shanghai Port
None of China PR's representatives advanced from the League Stage last season but Beijing FC and Shanghai Port FC are well on course after enjoying fast starts to their season. Beijing won their opening two matches while Shanghai Port are already on four points - which has equalled last season's final haul - and both will seek to maximise home ground advantage on Matchday Three.

Al Ain to continue prospering?
Having won their opening two matches by scoring four goals in each, Al Ain FC's fans will be expecting another swashbuckling performance from the UAE club. The odds are in their favour as they are undefeated against Tractor FC in their previous two meetings. The IR Iran side, however, badly need victory with only a point to show and former champions Al Ain will have to tread with caution.

Opportunity for Al Ittihad
A point from their opening two matches mean Al Ittihad Club have enjoyed a better start this season compared to 2025/26 but the former Asian champions know they have to improve if a place in the next round is to be theirs. They have a chance to get their season running when they play PFC Neftchi, with the Uzbekistan side having lost both previous meetings. The question, though, is can Al Ittihad shake off their indifferent form?

Dire straits
Nine teams - four in the West and five in East - have yet to register points on the board and will desperately need victories on Matchday Three if they are to stay in the running for Round of 16 spots. Among those in trouble are former Asian champions Al Sadd SC of Qatar and Korea Republic's FC Pohang Steelers.