Al Wasl will feel they owe their fans a better performance after falling to a 2-1 defeat against Al Qadsiah Club in their opener three weeks ago.

The Saudi Arabian side dominated the tie, taking a two-goal lead with Leandro Spadacio scoring a stoppage-time consolation goal for Al Wasl but home ground advantage should help the hosts raise their game.

Al Ahli will also feel they have to take maximum points after surviving a scare against Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor the last time out.

Feras Al Brikan came to their rescue with his stoppage time equaliser and Al Ahli know they have to hit the ground running against Al Wasl if they are to stay on course for an unprecedented third consecutive AFC Champions League Elite title.