TEHRAN, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Persepolis coach Branko Ivankovic said Monday that they will have a difficult task against Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli in AFC Champions League, Tehran Times daily reported.

Persepolis, who eliminated Al Ahli at the quarterfinal stage of the 2017 edition, will meet the team at Al Wasl Stadium in Group D of the AFC Champions League in Dubai on Tuesday.

The Iranian giants, who are on strong form domestically and have won their past three Iranian Pro League games, have picked up just one point from two games in the AFC Champions League after going down to Al Sadd 1-0 on Matchday Two.

Al Ahli sit second in the group with three points.

"First, I would like to thank Al Wasl officials for providing the conditions for us to host Al Ahli. We know how strong Al Ahli are but Persepolis are ready to take the team," Ivankovic said.

"In this match, Hossein Mahini and Mohammad Ansari will be absent and the other players are fit," the Croat added.