Persepolis Striker Alipour A Threat to Kashima Antlers Backline
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – With five goals to his name, Ali Alipour is his team’s top marksman and his pace on the break will pose a threat to Kashima Antlers, as he showed in the previous round against Al Sadd.
The striker has scored in two of his three away games in the knockout stage, the-afc.com wrote.
Also, Persepolis goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand grabbed global headlines after a superb FIFA World Cup and, as the last line of defense, will be looking to again shine on the biggest stage.
In front of him is Jalal Hosseini, the veteran Persepolis captain who may view the final as his last chance of continental glory.
Kashima Brazilian forward Serginho signed prior to the quarter-finals and has scored in all four of his AFC Champions League games since his arrival, meaning he has leapt to the top of Kashima’s scoring charts.
Elsewhere, young striker Yuma Suzuki will likely keep the Persepolis backline busy with his industry, while at the other end of the pitch, reliable centre-back Gen Shoji will marshall the defence with authority.