Seyed Jalal Hosseini was critical of Persepolis' performance in the 1-1 draw with Al Rayyan last week, with the assistant coach saying that key players did not deliver against the Qatar side.

The stalemate stretched the Islamic Republic of Iran side's winless run on the continental stage to eight matches (from 2023/24) and with just three points on the board, Persepolis have to defeat Al Shorta if they are to stay in the race.

They have to first tighten up at the back, having dropped six points from winning positions so far this season.

Al Shorta's situation is even more dire, with the Iraqi side only having accumulated two points.

It will be their first meeting with Persepolis but Al Shorta have a poor record against teams from Iran, having not won in their last six matches (D3 L3).

Venue: Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium (Doha)

Kick-off: Monday, 17:00 (UTC+3)