AFC Champions League: Matchday 3 Preview: Group F & H

Ashwin Muralidharan

AFC Champions League: Matchday 3 Preview: Group F & H image
Matchday three action grips Groups F and H of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League  on Wednesday and let's take a look at what is in store for us:-

GROUP F: 


Shanghai SIPG (CHN) vs Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) 


Shanghai SIPG

It will be a tussle for the top spot in Group F when Shanghai SIPG host Urawa Red Diamonds in a round three encounter in Group F. 

Both outfits have been in fantastic form and have won both their initial games in the group. While Urawa Red Diamonds have been banging in the goals, Shanghai recorded their biggest ever victory in the AFC Champions League when they took apart Western Sydney Wanderers 5-1 in the last round. 

Though this is the first meeting between the sides, sparks are bound to fly in a clash which might see the victors take a huge step towards securing qualification for the round of 16. 

Shanghai SIPG will hope their star power which includes the likes of Oscar and Hulk, along with home advantage helps them notch a crucial victory. 

Venue: Shanghai stadium, Shanghai
Kickoff: Mar 15, 19:30 UTC+8


FC Seoul (KOR) vs Western Sydney Wanderers (AUS)


FC Seoul v Sanfrecce Hiroshima AFC Champions League 01032016

FC Seoul welcome A-League outfit Western Sydney Wanderers to South Korea for a round three clash in Group F even as both teams struggle to stay alive in competition. 

Neither team have managed to win a point from the initial two rounds and have largely disintegrated against their illustrious opponents in the group. After suffering hammering defeats in the previous round, this is a chance for either of the team to inject some hope back into their stuttering campaigns. 

PREVIEW: Seoul vs Wanderers

FC Seoul start as favourites in this match as Wanderers’ defensive record has been abject to say the least. Moreover, Seoul have put in some encouraging performances domestically recently. Wanderers need to step up or risk being the whipping boys in this group. 

Venue: Seoul World Cup stadium, Seoul
Kickoff: Mar 15, 19:30 UTC+8

GROUP H:


Gamba Osaka (JPN) vs Jiangsu Suning (CHN)


Alex Teixeira #10 of Jiangsu Suning reacts during the AFC Champions League 2017 Group H match between Jiangsu Suning and Adelaide United

Chinese side Jiangsu Suning travel to Japan to take on Gamba Osaka, looking to make it three wins out of three in Group H. The home team has been inconsistent of late, winning their first game convincingly over Adelaide United before being shocked by Jeju United in the last round. 

As such, there are question marks over their temperament and Jiangsu Suning will look to exploit that weakness and assume control of the group. With star midfielder Ramires playing really well, Jiangsu are definitely the form team going into this game.

But, on their day, Gamba can be deadly but have recent records against them. The Japanese outfit fares badly against Chinese opponents in particular - a stat which should encourage Jiangsu. 

Venue: Suita City football stadium, Osaka
Kickoff: Mar 15, 19:00 UTC+9


Adelaide United (AUS) vs Jeju United (KOR)


Lee Chang-min Jeju United

Adelaide United will be fighting to stay relevant in Group H when they host South Korean team Jeju United on Wednesday. 

Two back-to-back defeats at the hands of Gamba Osaka and Jiangsu Suning have definitely dented the confidence of the A-League outfit but they will try to gain inspiration from the fact that they have a superior record against South Korean teams, even if they are facing Jeju United for the first time. 

ACL 2017: Groups A & C Roundup

After Jiangsu stunned them with a late winner in the first round, Jeju United hit back in splendid fashion and downed Gamba Osaka 4-1 away in the second round. Riding high on confidence after that victory, Jeju will be looking to get their second win of the campaign. 

Venue: Hindmarsh stadium, Adelaide
Kickoff: Mar 15, 19:30 UTC+10:30

Ashwin Muralidharan