Tehran-based Persepolis are the most successful club in the Islamic Republic of Iran, having won 11 league titles. The Red Army picked up the Iranian Super Cup last week after clinching their fourth Pro League title ahead of second placed Zobahan with Esteghlal and Saipa third and fourth respectively.

Branko Ivankovic's side will now be aiming to secure a hat-trick of league titles, a feat only achieved by Sepahan during their 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 run.

"This is the third year already that we have been on top of the league which is hard to do because one of the hardest things is to achieve continuity, maintain this level of focus and concentration," Ivankovic said.

"The key to success is mainly hard work. There is no success without hard and persistent work.

The league champions open their title defence against Padideh at the Samen Stadium, while Zobahan travel to Nassaji Mazandaran and Esteghlal play Paykan at home on Friday.

In the AFC Champions League quarter-final first leg, Persepolis will face Qatar's Al Duhail on August 28 while Esteghlal take on another Qatari club Al Sadd on August 27.

August 26

Islamic Republic of Iran international Saman Ghoddos has signed a five-year contract with French side Amiens SC.

The Swedish-born Iranian began his professional career in Sweden's Division 1 Limhamn Bunkeflo in 2011 and Trelleborg in 2013 before progressing to the Superettan a year later with Syrianska.

“Al Duhail are the Qatar champions and have shown their strengths in the previous stages, however, I believe in my players,” said the Croatian coach.

Al Duhail have had a spectacular impact on the 2018 season, boasting a perfect record of eight wins - six in the group stage and two in the Round of 16 - and will look to carry that into the quarter-finals.

However, Ivankovic is counting on his team to repeat their 2017 edition success, when Islamic Republic of Iran’s Persepolis beat Al Duhail - then named Lekhwiya SC - 1-0 in the Round of 16.

“We have good memories of Al Duhail from the previous season. We want to repeat our success against them.

“We have a lot of respect for Al Duhail but I believe in my team.”

Persepolis team manager Amirali Hosseini spoke to the-AFC.com after the draw ceremony of Wednesday, and shared Ivankovic’s confidence on the Tehran-based club’s chances.

“There are no regrets about it (the draw), or wishing I was with this or that team because this is the stage that no team has come to accidentally,” said Hosseini.

“All teams are strong, and Persepolis are one of those strong teams. And we’re expecting a really exciting match.”

It’s been well over 27 years since Islamic Republic of Iran’s Esteghlal FC were crowned the Asian champions and Winfried Schäfer’s side will be aiming to return to glory and a third title as they go up against two-time champions, Al Sadd of Qatar.

Qatar’s Al Duhail boast impressive domestic successes this year and will look to maintain their immaculate record and add a Continental club silverware to their collection but will first welcome Iran Pro League champions, Persepolis.

Persepolis have yet to win the AFC Champions League and after a semi-final exit in 2017, Branko Ivankovic’s charges will be aiming for the title.

Kashima Antlers from Japan, who have not gone beyond the quarter-finals stage, will welcome China PR’s Tianjin Quanjian, who have performed spectacularly in their first appearance in the AFC Champions League, and are certainly looking to extend their run.

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, champions in 2006 and 2016, will lock horns with fellow Korea Republic side Suwon Samsung Bluewings, who have also won the title twice - in the 2000/01 and 2001/02 seasons.