Al Hilal test for Al Sadd
Al Sadd SC will have to brace themselves for a tough night when they face high-riding Al Hilal SFC on Tuesday, with the Qatari champions on the backfoot following a poor start to the season.

They parted ways with head coach Felix Sanchez on Wednesday, with Sergio Alegre filling in on an interim basis.

Al Hilal are the only team with a perfect record in the West Zone but Al Sadd will take heart from the fact that they are unbeaten in their last two meetings with the four-time Asian champions. The 2011 AFC Champions League™ winners, however, have opened their 2025/26 campaign with two draws.

Ulsan's Roh in the spotlight
Korea Republic's Ulsan HD will be another team with an interim head coach in place for their tie against Japan's Sanfrecce Hiroshima following the departure of Shin Tae-yong, with Roh Sang-rae replacing him.

While Al Sadd's campaign has gotten off to a slow start, Ulsan's season has been a roller-coaster ride with the three-time defending Korean champions 10th in the K League 1 standings.

Roh, Ulsan's third head coach this season, hasn't had much time to work with the squad but will aim to continue their good start on the continent with four points already on the board.

Conceiçao set for continental bow with Al Ittihad
Sergio Conceiçao will be the third new face making his AFC Champions League Elite bow, with the Portuguese tactician having taken charge of Al Ittihad Club from Laurent Blanc.

The former AC Milan manager will need to hit the ground running, with reigning Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad having opened their continental campaign with two defeats.

They will hope that Conceiçao not only gets up and running again but also lead them to silverware, with the 50-year-old having won 11 titles with Porto FC.

Can Vissel Kobe stay perfect?
Their reign as two-time defending J1 League champions is under threat but Vissel Kobe's start to the continental season has been dynamic, with two wins out of two.

They are the only side in the East Zone with a perfect record and will expect to continue their fine run against Korea Republic's Gangwon FC.

Adding to their confidence will be the fact that they are the only side yet to concede a goal across the continental tournament.

Home comfort for sizzling UAE trio
Only Al Hilal SFC and defending champions Al Ahli Saudi FC sit above the UAE's representatives in the West Zone standings and all three will be aiming to maintain their fine starts.

The three are on four points with Sharjah FC - third on goal difference - to play Tractor FC at home and the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 winners will fancy full points, with the Islamic Republic of Iran club having two draws to their name.

Al Wahda FC will also be confident of victory at home against winless Al Duhail SC of Qatar, as will Shabab Al Ahli - who will welcome Uzbekistan's PFC Nasaf to Dubai's Rashid Stadium.

With all three enjoying home ground advantage, their fans will expect maximum points.