Both have struggled to get going domestically and will have to find their best form if they are to hit the ground running at the Shahr-e Qods Stadium.
Esteghlal will hope to make home ground advantage count, with the two meeting for the first time since they clashed in the group stage of the AFC Champions League™ 2010.
Esteghal won the home tie then 3-0 but the Islamic Republic of Iran side have only triumphed once in their last seven opening matches on the continental stage.
Al Gharafa were held 1-1 by Al Shamal in their Qatar Stars League tie on Friday, the result taking them to five points from four matches.
They will, however, draw on the high of having defeated UAE side Shabab Al Ahli in the preliminary stage to get a result against their Iranian opponents.
