Get a glimpse of the grouping details and here's an overview of the teams:
Group G: Yokohama Mariners (J-League), Shandong Taishan (Chinese Super League), Kaya FC (FIBA), Incheon United (K-League);
Group H: Buriram United (Thai Premier League), Kofu Fung Lam (J2 League), Melbourne City (Australian Premier League), Zhejiang FC (Chinese Super League);
Group J: Wuhan Sanzhen (Chinese Super League), Pohang Steelers (K-League), Hanoi FC (Vietnam United), Urawa Red Diamonds (J-League);
Taishan is in Group G. Except for Kaya FC, the rest of the players have similar strengths, so it is expected that they will be out of the group or not.
Yokohama Marinos is the leader of this group, and has been performing well in the J-League recently, with only 4 losses in 24 rounds, leading the league with 50 points, and calling for the championship.
The team has a balanced attack and defense, and the offense is unique. Striker Anderson Lopez is in hot form, scoring 16 goals in 24 league matches, and is the one that Taishan needs to guard against.
Incheon United is a little less powerful and is in the same mid-tier as Taesan, with only 9 wins, 10 draws and 8 losses in 27 rounds of the K-League, placing them in 6th place.
The team's offense and defense are average, with 31 goals scored and 32 conceded in 31 games. Taishan's offensive end is superior, but it needs to beware of opponents' counterattacks.
Kaya FC is the weakest team in the Philadelphia A League, and T&T can't afford to lose 6 points in the lineup.
Away challenges need to pay attention to the hot and muggy weather, as Shanghai Seaport had a cold exit in the play-offs away to Kaya FC.
Taishan's experienced team and coach Choi Kang-hee are familiar with the AFC Champions League, and they have a plan to face their opponents.
After the Kaya FC battle, home and away matches against Yokohama Marinos and Incheon United will require careful defense to ensure offense.
Zhejiang team G group strength is balanced, most of the second-class level, avoiding the Japanese and Korean powerhouses.
Buriram United Thai Premier League dominant, excellent technology, sharp counterattack, the away game need to pay attention to the hot and humid weather.
Kofu-Fenglin J2 League side, who unexpectedly qualified for the AFC Champions League by winning the Emperor's Cup, are in average form and need to stay focused.
Melbourne City, the runner-up in the Australian Premier League, is not to be underestimated, so Zhejiang needs to go all out.
Zhejiang is expected to finish second in the group and even have a chance to be among the knockout rounds if they focus enough.
Wuhan Sanzhen's Group J is full of strong opponents, with Pohang Steelers and Urawa Red Diamonds making it difficult to win.
Pohang Steelers are second in the K-League and Urawa Red Diamonds are 4th in the J-League, and have a lot of experience in foreign matches.
Hanoi FC is a strong team in the Vietnam League and has been in excellent form recently, so Wuhan Sanzhen should be treated with caution.
Wuhan Sanzhen has been in poor form recently, but with Asian foreigners and rich experience in the AFC Champions League, they are expected to improve their fighting spirit.
