Al Ahli Saudi are the better placed of the two, with the Saudi Arabia club on four points from three matches while Al Shorta are on the brink of elimination with no points and no goals to show for at the end of Matchday Three.

With Qatar's Al Duhail SC and Esteghlal FC of the Islamic Republic of Iran to come for both sides, a win on Saturday will mean their respective fates will still very much be in their hands as the group stage approaches its climax.

The 20 teams will return to action on Friday and Saturday, with some aiming to put one foot in the Round of 16 and others desperately trying to keep their dreams of reaching the knockout phase alive.

In what's sure to be another thrilling two days of action, the-AFC.com has chosen five things to look out for.

With the teams in India, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates preparing to return to action on Friday and Saturday, the-AFC.com takes a look back at the facts and figures that have stood out so far.

Photo: Al Ahli Saudi FC

Whether it was stunning solo runs, sublime curlers, or historic headers, Matchday Three of the 2021 AFC Champions League had it all.

We've selected five of the best goals for you to choose from in the poll at the foot of the article.

UAE's Shabab Al Ahli find themselves bottom of the group with only one point, six adrift of leaders Al Hilal SFC, and must beat AGMK of Uzbekistan at the King Fahd International Stadium if they are to remain in contention for a place in the Round of 16.

AGMK, meanwhile, are still in the running for top spot in the group - which secures direct qualification to the Round of 16 - with four points.

Al Hilal lead with seven points from three matches, with Istiklol sittinng second on four ahead of AGMK FC on goal difference. Shabab Al Ahli Dubai prop up the group with one point.

Among this week’s contenders, Ritsu Doan helps consign one of Germany’s biggest clubs to relegation, Mehdi Taremi continues his Portuguese purple patch and Sam Kerr plays a crucial role in the English title race as one of a record four women’s AFC International Player of the Week nominees.

With 10 players from five nations in contention, study our list of nominees – for performances from April 15 to 21 – and don’t forget to register your all-important vote.