Persepolis resume their continental duties on a high, having secured their fourth consecutive Iran Pro League title with a 14-point margin.

Al Taawoun, meanwhile, survived a domestic scare, managing to avoid relegation on the final day of the season, having finished third in 2018-19.

Al Duhail kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 home win over Islamic Republic of Iran’s Persepolis FC courtesy of goals from Mario Mandzukic and Edmilson, but then succumbed to a 2-0 away loss to Saudi Pro League side Al Taawoun, leaving them in second place in Group C on three points.

With the action having been halted after two rounds of matches, Al Taawoun sit top of the group with six points, while Al Duhail are second with three. Persepolis, the 2018 runners-up, and Sharjah have a point each.

We analyse six strikers who have already played a part in this season’s edition of the competition, and have also performed admirably in their clubs’ domestic campaigns.

After much deliberation, the tournament will take place in centralised venues with the sides from West Asia resuming their campaign in the coming days in Qatar and those in East Asia following suit later in the year.

Much will be different for players and fans yet, ultimately, the teams are still striving for the same goal: to be crowned champions of Asia. Ahead of the big kick-off – Matchday Three in the West – the-AFC.com highlights five things to look out for.

Action in the West Zone returns after some seven months, with the COVID-19 pandemic having brought football across the world to a halt. Matches will be played at the Al Janoub Stadium, Khalifa Stadium, Education City Stadium and Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.

Al Janoub Stadium, Khalifa Stadium and Education City Stadium will all host FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches.

Having looked at some of the finest goalscorers in the tournament, we turn our attention to a group of stars who are set to be the focal points for their sides to build their success around over the next few weeks.