Persepolis vs Al-Gharafa: Preview, Prediction and Possible Line-ups
Latest Updates About the Teams
Persepolis FC and Al-Gharafa SC are set to meet in a highly anticipated AFC Champions League Group Stage match on November 4, 2024 at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran. The game marks a crucial clash between two of the region's top teams, with the potential to significantly impact the group standings and the teams' chances of advancing to the knockout stage.
Persepolis FC
Persepolis FC, the Iranian club, comes into this match as the defending Persian Gulf Pro League champions and they are known for their strong home record. Led by manager Yahya Golmohammadi, the team boasts a talented squad with several Iranian internationals, including captain Morteza Pouraliganji and Mehdi Torabi.
In their previous AFC Champions League match, Persepolis FC earned a valuable away draw against Al-Hilal SFC of Saudi Arabia. The team will be looking to build on that result and secure all three points at home against Al-Gharafa.
Al-Gharafa SC
Al-Gharafa SC, representing Qatar, is managed by Andrea Stramaccioni and has a solid track record in the Qatar Stars League. The team features a number of experienced players, including former Barcelona and Spain international Xavi Hernández, who currently serves as a player-manager for Al-Gharafa.
In their first AFC Champions League match, Al-Gharafa SC suffered a disappointing home defeat to Sharjah FC of the United Arab Emirates. The team will be determined to bounce back and earn a positive result against Persepolis FC.
Head-to-Head Record:
The two teams have faced each other twice before in the AFC Champions League, with Persepolis FC holding a slight edge. In 2015, Persepolis FC won 1-0 at home and the match in Qatar ended in a 1-1 draw.
Probable Line-ups
Persepolis FC: * Goalkeeper: Hamed Lak * Defenders: Sadegh Moharrami, مرتضی پورعلیگنجی, Omid Alishah, Daniel Esmaeilifar * Midfielders: Kamal Kamyabinia, Milad Sarlak, Mehdi Torabi * Forwards: Issa Alekasir, Vahid Amiri, Jaber Ansari Al-Gharafa SC: * Goalkeeper: Yousef Hassan * Defenders: Homam Ahmed, Tareq Salman, Edmond Tapsoba, Pedro Miguel * Midfielders: Xavi Hernández, Othman Al-Yahri, Sofiane Hanni * Forwards: Ahmed Alaaeldin, Johar Al-Moez Ali, Jonathan KodjiaPrediction
This is expected to be a close and competitive match, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. Persepolis FC will have the advantage of playing at home, but Al-Gharafa SC will be determined to prove their worth. The match could go either way, but Persepolis FC may have a slight edge based on their home record and recent form.
