JEDDAH: Prior to their blockbuster match next Sunday, Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal both resume their AFC Champions League campaign today.
Ittihad is away to Al-Jazira in UAE while Hilal is at home to another UAE club, Al-Ahli, in Riyadh in matches that could have a psychological impact on the Saudi clubs’ preparations for their much awaited clash in the Saudi Professional League.
On paper Hilal and Ittihad are the fancied teams over opponents that are languishing in the cellar in their groups.
Hilal will be looking to improve its position at second in Group A after having collected 2 points from two draws against Saba Batry of Iran and against Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan, the leader of the group with 4 points from one win and a draw. Saba Batry is third with 2 points and UAE’s Ahli last with only one point.
Hilal plays the visitors with an eye on the match between Saba Batry and Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan in Iran. Hilal is hoping that the match will end in a draw and hence create the perfect chance for Hilal to go top.
Ittihad so far doesn’t need help from other teams as it is on top of Group C with 6 points from two wins against Esteghlal Tehran of Iran and Umm Salal of Qatar.
Al-Jazira could only show one point thus far from one loss and one draw, and against Ittihad a win isn’t forthcoming.
Umm Salal is second with three points and Esteghlal third with one point only.
