With the world cup come and gone, we can now turn our attention back to the Asian Champions League Quarter Finals. Months have passed since the round of 16 was played and teams have had a long break to regroup and prepare.

We thought we would look to see what each team was doing domestically and to then predict how they would fair in just over a month’s time.

QF1: Al Hilal (KSA) vs Al Gharafa (QAT)

Al Hilal is currently in preseason with the first round of the domestic league due to start this weekend. Their first game is at home to AL TAAWUN. In last year’s competition 2010, Al Hilal were supreme, winning the league.

Al Gharafa is also in pre season with their first game due to fall in the same week as the quarter final. Last season 2009/10, they were also champions.

Given the circumstances, Al Hilal is most likely of the two teams to be in better form having already started their season prior to the game. They are also my prediction with 1 – 0 at home.

QF2: Zoba Ahan (IRN) vs Pohang Steelers (KOR)

The Iranian league is already 3 weeks into the latest season. Zoba Ahan is currently sitting 3rd with 2 wins and a draw.

Pohang Steelers is half way through the 2010 season and is sitting in 10th position having won only 3 games so far.

I think this could be a very even content with both teams having started their seasons. Pohang has the history behind it but this hasn’t been their best season neither with the ACl nor domestically. Expect an upset first round.

QF3: Jeonbuk Motors (KOR) vs Al Shabab (KSA)

Jeonbuk is mid way through ts domestic season and sitting second with 9 wins so far. They also had a strong start to the ACL season earlier this year so look to be in great form.

The teams haven’t faced each other this season so there is nothing to go by. Playing at home I would expect that Seongnam will prevail.