Experiencing extremely difficult campaigns, defeat for either side will probably mean the end of their knockout stage hopes.
Jalal Hosseini was critical of Persepolis' performance in the 1-1 draw with Al Rayyan last week, with the assistant coach saying that key players did not deliver against the Qatar side.
The stalemate stretched Iran side's winless run on the continental stage to eight matches (from 2023-24) and with just three points on the board, Persepolis has to defeat Al Shorta if it is to stay in the race.
It has to first tighten up at the back, having dropped six points from winning positions so far this season.
Al Shorta's situation is even more dire, with the Iraqi side only having accumulated two points.
It will be its first meeting with Persepolis but Al Shorta has a poor record against teams from Iran, having not won in its last six matches (D3 L3).