PLDC - Tehran, Al Shabab's captain said, "Our goal is to get three points, and our coach has drawn out a plan to defeat Esteghlal."

Ahmed Otaif said, "We are familiar with them (Esteghlal), and have reviewed their match videos. We know some of their players at the national level, and although several players have left this club, we don't think this has greatly affected this them."

Regarding the probability of a high spectator turn-out, Otaif said, "We know that Esteghlal is one of Iran's most popular clubs, but we will not allow the fan-presence to affect us psychologically."

By: Arman Tamjidi