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.

UAE Pro League side Al Wahda FSCC informed the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) that they are unable to travel to Qatar for the competition after several members of the club tested positive for COVID-19.

The matter has been referred to the relevant AFC Committees for a decision in accordance with the applicable regulations. Esteghlal FC of Islamic Republic of Iran are the other team in the group.

Fresh off winning their 16th Saudi Pro League title, Al Hilal travelled to Qatar aiming to continue their seamless start to the continental campaign.

The first of two Monday fixtures in the group sees the Mashhad-based side in pursuit of a first goal in the competition as well, having lost their AFC Champions League debut to title holders Al Hilal SFC 2-0, then succumbed to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Uzbek champions Pakhtakor FC on Matchday Two.

Having been absent since COVID-19 forced its suspension some six months ago, the competition is set to burst back into life with everything still to play for across all four of the region’s groups. A chance for more headlines to be written, for more drama to unfold.

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.

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.