Esteghlal this time got the easier team (unlike ZA v. Al Jazira in round of 16). Duhail has not lost a point in 8 games so far and will cause problem for Perspolis. Al Sadd is not that difficult to beat.
That's very true.
However, I would not take Al Saad lightly, but it all depends on how EsEs and PP do during transfer period, seems like PP might still be under the transfer ban for this upcoming window, and EsEs might not be able to keep Thiam and as the case is possibly is for other IPL teams they will struggle to keep some of their stars (transfer abroad) and get new foreign ones due to economical issues (currency devaluation, lack of funds, etc).
But even before that, I wonder if PP and EsEs would even be still qualified to compete at AFC level coming this fall as they have not managed to pay off all of their previous debts and secure AFC's professional license. It is likely that part of FIFA money IFF will receive for WC would go for this matter.