Sepahan - likely starters

Abbas Mohammadi, 32, goalkeeper

Abbas Mohammadi has been an impressive replacement in goal for the departed Armenak Petrosyan, conceding only two goals in five knockout stage matches to help Sepahan on their run to the final. The lanky goalkeeper’s good form has led to some calls for him to be called up to the Iranian national team.

 

Hadi Aghily, 26, defender

A key defender for Sepahan, Hadi Aghily is one of only two players to have started in all of Sepahan's 10 matches in the AFC Champions League this season. As well known for his attacking endeavours as his defensive prowess, Aghily was doubtful after picking up an injury during the first leg of the semi-finals against Al Wahda but recovered in time to play the entire 90 minutes of the return game.

 

Mohsen Bengar, 28, defender

The 28-year-old defender has firmly established himself in central defence alongside Hadi Aghily and has played every minute of Sepahan's five matches in the knockout stage so far. He helped to set up Sepahan's opening goal against Al Wahda in the first leg of the semi-finals and went close to scoring himself in the second leg in Abu Dhabi.

 

Jaba Mujiri, 27, defender

Jaba Mujiri was not utilised by coach Luka Bonacic against Kawasaki Frontale in the quarter-finals but the lanky, 27-year-old Georgian defender found himself in the starting line-up for both semi-final matches against Al Wahda and the first leg of the final in Esfahan last week.

 

Abdul Wahab Abolheil, 31, midfielder

The veteran Iraqi midfielder has enjoyed a successful year with Sepahan, starting in all 11 matches for the club so far, only being substituted once in the closing minutes of the first leg of the semi-final victory against Al Wahda. Abolheil, who joined the club from Esteghlal Ahvaz in 2006, was on target in the 5-0 victory against Al Ittihad in the group stage and successfully converted a penalty in the penalty shoot-out win against Kawasaki in the last eight.

 

Saeid Bayat, 31, midfielder

After missing the first leg of the quarter-finals against Kawasaki through suspension, Saeid Bayat returned to play three complete matches. He was also instrumental in midfield for Sepahan in their first five matches in the group stage before being sent off in the 5-0 trouncing of Al Ittihad in Syria.

 

Mohsen Hamidi, 22, midfielder

With coach Luka Bonacic looking for a spark in midfield, Mohsen Hamidi looks set to replace Jalal Akbari for the second leg. The 22-year-old has yet to start a match for Sepahan in the AFC Champions League but was impressive on the right wing for the Hazfi Cup holders after coming on as a half-time replacement for Akbari in the first leg of the final.

 

Ehsan Hajysafi, 17, midfielder

The young midfielder has stunned observers with his impressive performances which have earned him a starting spot in Sepahan's starting line-up in the knockout stage. His best performance so far was in the first leg of the semi-finals against Al Wahda when he created the first goal and was the main provider for striker Mahmoud Karimi.

 

Hossein Kazemi, 28, midfield

With both Seyed Mohammed Salehi and Mahmoud Karimi hampered by injury, Hossein Kazemi could be given a starting spot in the Sepahan line-up for the second leg. The former Esteghlal player, who joined Sepahan in the off-season, has played in four of five matches in the knockout stage, coming on as a replacement for Karimi in the first leg of the final.

 

Moharram Navidkia, 25, midfielder

One of the best midfielders in Iran, Moharram Navidkia was a member of Sepahan’s league winning side in 2003 and joined German Bundesliga side VFL Bochum in 2004. But after two injury-plagued seasons in Germany, the 25-year-old returned to Sepahan and played a big part in their dream run to this year's AFC Champions League final. The Sepahan captain was a member of Iran's 2006 World Cup finals squad and has more than 24 caps for Team Melli.

 

Emad Mohammed Ridha, 25, forward

After missing the second leg of the semi-finals due to national team commitments, Iraq international forward Emad Mohammed returned to the starting line-up for the first leg of the final and tormented the Urawa defence with his presence up front. A member of the Iraq side that reached the semi-finals of the Olympics in 2004, the skilful Emad is equally adept as either a playmaker or a finisher.