Sepahan, ACL 2007 runners-up are now a regular in this tournament, indeed they have played both Ittihads in their group before.   Sepahan played Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia in 2004 campaign where they beat the Saudis 3-2 at home but went on to lose the away leg 4-0.  In 2007 campaign Sepahan defeated Al Ittihad of Syria at home and away scoring a total of 7 goals and conceding 1.

Although in a tough group Sepahan are now an experienced side full of confidence, their main challenge will come from Saudi's Ittihad that will be eager to avenge Sepahan's home and away wins over fellow Saudis Al Shabab in 2007 campaign.  Saipa are the current Persian Gulf League (PGL) champions but they have not been doing too well in PGL this season, Saipa are currently in 14^th place out of 18 teams in PGL, they will need to improve their performance and strengthen their squad before their ACL matches start next year.

Sepahan are in a stronger position than Saipa, they qualified for ACL by winning the Hazfi Cup in Iran last season, Sepahan are currently in second place in PGL and could go above Persepolis on goal difference if they win their two games in hand.  Sepahan have had the tough challenge of playing in two tournaments (PGL & ACL) simultaneously, this is a tough challenge for a squad the size of Sepahan FC taking into account the club’s resources, Sepahan will be looking to build on their achievements of 2007 campaign which included the runners-up place in ACL final and qualification to FIFA Club World Cup.  Sepahan have handled the pressure well and have achieved the most that could be expected of them in PGL and ACL.