AFC Champions League Elite
The action is set to enthrall as teams look to tighten their grips on Round of 16 spots or try to revive their campaigns and the-AFC.com picks out five things to look out for.
#ACLElite - Preview: Matchday Four
Ulsan, Vissel in battle royale
The East Zone's top-of-the-table clash will see Vissel Kobe welcoming Ulsan HD FC to the Kobe City Misaki Park Stadium with both looking for continental cheer following their respective domestic woes.
Ulsan have already relinquished their K League 1 crown while Vissel's reign looks to be over as well as they sit five points off the J1 League summit with just three matches remaining.
Despite that, Ulsan sit a point clear on the continental stage with Vissel one adrift and both will want to be in the strongest positions possible before the season takes a break after Matchday Six.
The East Zone's top-of-the-table clash will see Vissel Kobe welcoming Ulsan HD FC to the Kobe City Misaki Park Stadium with both looking for continental cheer following their respective domestic woes.
Ulsan have already relinquished their K League 1 crown while Vissel's reign looks to be over as well as they sit five points off the J1 League summit with just three matches remaining.
Despite that, Ulsan sit a point clear on the continental stage with Vissel one adrift and both will want to be in the strongest positions possible before the season takes a break after Matchday Six.
Al Hilal to stay perfect
Al Gharafa SC's bid to add to their three points looks destined to fail with the Qatari side to face Al Hilal SFC.
Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal have been in scintillating form and are the only side still with a perfect record across both zones.
The four-time Asian champions will want to keep winning to ensure they seal qualification to the next stage comfortably and this means bad news for Al Gharafa.
Al Gharafa SC's bid to add to their three points looks destined to fail with the Qatari side to face Al Hilal SFC.
Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal have been in scintillating form and are the only side still with a perfect record across both zones.
The four-time Asian champions will want to keep winning to ensure they seal qualification to the next stage comfortably and this means bad news for Al Gharafa.
Gangwon worry for Sanfrecce
Gangwon's reward for defeating Vissel Kobe was third place in the East Zone standings after Matchday Three and the Korea Republic outfit will be oozing confidence for their tie against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
The tournament debutants showed both naivety and resilience in their win against Vissel Kobe and head coach Chung Kyung‑ho will be hoping for the latter against Sanfrecce.
The Japanese side have endured a mixed campaign so far and Chung will feel that if his players perform with the same commitment shown against Vissel Kobe, another victory will be achieved.
Gangwon's reward for defeating Vissel Kobe was third place in the East Zone standings after Matchday Three and the Korea Republic outfit will be oozing confidence for their tie against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
The tournament debutants showed both naivety and resilience in their win against Vissel Kobe and head coach Chung Kyung‑ho will be hoping for the latter against Sanfrecce.
The Japanese side have endured a mixed campaign so far and Chung will feel that if his players perform with the same commitment shown against Vissel Kobe, another victory will be achieved.
Can Nasaf bounce back?
PFC Nasaf are the only side across both zones with zero points and the Uzbekistan side will have to contend with the possibility of early elimination if they do not defeat Al Wahda FC.
UAE's Al Wahda, however, are flying high with seven points already on the board but Nasaf can draw inspiration from Tractor FC who brought down another high-flying UAE side - Sharjah FC - with a 5-0 win on Matchday Three.
PFC Nasaf are the only side across both zones with zero points and the Uzbekistan side will have to contend with the possibility of early elimination if they do not defeat Al Wahda FC.
UAE's Al Wahda, however, are flying high with seven points already on the board but Nasaf can draw inspiration from Tractor FC who brought down another high-flying UAE side - Sharjah FC - with a 5-0 win on Matchday Three.
JDT to roar at home
Having finally gotten on the winning trail on Matchday Three, Johor Darul Ta'zim will be fired up for the visit of China PR's Shanghai Shenhua FC to the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
The Malaysian champions will be determined to shine in front of their fans, having been held to a goalless draw by Japan's FC Machida Zelvia in their previous home match.
JDT are targeting an extended run on the continental stage after their campaign ended in last season's Round of 16 and this spell trouble for Shenhua.
Having finally gotten on the winning trail on Matchday Three, Johor Darul Ta'zim will be fired up for the visit of China PR's Shanghai Shenhua FC to the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
The Malaysian champions will be determined to shine in front of their fans, having been held to a goalless draw by Japan's FC Machida Zelvia in their previous home match.
JDT are targeting an extended run on the continental stage after their campaign ended in last season's Round of 16 and this spell trouble for Shenhua.
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