As the start of the 2010 ACL Champions League approaches, we will begin a preview of each of the groups and give some predictions on what the outcomes might look like 6 rounds from now. Over the next couple of days, we will review each group and the upcoming round giving our tips for the round.

Group A

• AL AHLI (KSA) – have had 4 appearances in the ACL Champions League, reaching the final in 1986, quarter finalists in 2004/05 and participating in the group stage of the 2007/08 championship.
• ESTEGHLAL (IRN) – participating in last years tournament and didn’t progress past the group stage, drawing 4 and losing 2 games. They are the most successful club in Asian Champion’s League with 2 champions titles and 2 runner up tied with Al-Hilal Riadh Saudi Arabia.
• Al Jazira (UAE) – also participated in 2009 finishing 3rd overall in the group stage, with 5 draws and 1 loss.
• Al Gharafa (QAT) – finished 3rd in Group B in 2009 with 1 win and 3 losses. They have also competed in the 2003, 2006, 2008 championships so as a club they have plenty of experience.

Lets quickly look at upcoming games:
AL JAZIRA (UAE) vs AL GHARAFA (QAT)
Expecting Al Gharafa to take out the opening games 2 – 0 even though they are playing their opening game away from home, Al Gharafa have too much experience and should win comfortably.

AL AHLI (KSA) vs ESTEGHLAL (IRN)
Esteghlal should also win comfortably away from home 1 – 0. Esteghlal could be a good chance this year. It looks to be evenly placed within its group.