Al Wahda will go into the tie with confidence as they are unbeaten in each of their last three AFC Champions League matches against Al Ittihad.

The Emirate side, however, have failed to win any of their last seven opening games on the continental stage - drawing once and losing six with their last victory in a curtain raiser registered in 2007.

Al Ittihad will hope to carry last season's domestic form - which saw them lifting the Saudi Pro League title - onto the continental stage but head into tie with a record of not having defeated teams from the UAE in their last seven AFC Champions League matches.

They will look towards Karim Benzema, who netted a hat-trick in their Saudi Pro League opener against Al Akhdoud, to power them against Al Wahda and also steer them to glory.

Al Wahda FC (UAE) v Al Ittihad Club (KSA)
Venue: Al Nahyan Stadium (Abu Dhabi)
Kick-off: Monday, 20:00 (UTC+4)

Photo: Al Wahda FC