Victory will take Esteghlal to 11 points but with Al Duhail of Qatar playing Al Ahli Saudi FC in the group's later match, the Islamic Republic of Iran side will only know their fate hours after their tie against Al Shorta with all three teams tied on eights points going into Matchday Six, setting the stage for an exciting finish to Group C.

Nine of the 20 teams have already been eliminated but just two have sealed qualification to the next round and, with only the top sides guaranteed a place in the last 16, there is all to play for ahead of the games on Thursday and Friday.

As the West group stage prepares for a gripping climax, the-AFC.com has selected five things to look out for.

Before the final round of group stage fixtures takes place on Thursday and Friday, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on some of the facts and figures that have stood out in recent days.

Photo: Tractor FC

From cheeky finishes to flying headers and electric counter-attacks, the Matchday Five games saw some fine contenders for the accolade.

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

On Monday, a fourth draw in five games for Tractor meant the Iranians remain one of two unbeaten sides in the competition alongside group leaders Sharjah, but with just one win in the competition leaving them on seven points, even victory on the final matchday might not be enough for them to go through to the next round.

Al Sadd grabbed top spot from Al Nassr after the Qatar champions beat Foolad Khouzestan FC on Matchday Five to move up to 10 points, with the Saudi club missing out on vital points when they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Al Wehdat stay second two points adrift.

The onus will be on Al Nassr to secure full points while Al Sadd only need a draw to confirm their place in the Round of 16.

Persepolis lead the standings with 12 points from five matches, two clear of second placed Al Wahda FSCC of UAE with FC Goa third spot with three points while Al Rayyan lie bottom with two points.