FA Cup Opta Facts – Round 5 Replay 6 - 7th March

Birmingham City v Chelsea

Chelsea have won 13 and lost just one of the last 20 matches in all competitions with Birmingham.
Frank Lampard has scored 18 goals in his last 26 FA Cup appearances.
Daniel Sturridge has scored eight goals in nine FA Cup appearances including seven in six starts for Chelsea in the competition.
Roberto Di Matteo has won only two of his six games as a manager in the FA Cup.
Di Matteo has won his only previous encounter against Birmingham City as a manager however (3-1 at West Brom in Sept 2010).
Birmingham have won only one of their last five matches in all competitions.
Chelsea have won just once in their last seven matches in all competitions.

Tottenham Hotspur v Stevenage

Stevenage haven't conceded a goal in their five FA Cup matches this season.
Spurs have kept clean sheets in four of their last five FA Cup matches.
In eight matches between them, neither Spurs nor Stevenage have conceded an FA Cup goal this season.
Tottenham haven't lost in the FA Cup to a lower division side since Leicester outfoxed them in 2006.
Jermain Defoe has scored eight goals in his last 11 FA Cup starts.
Tottenham have suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time since September 2010 (all comps).
Stevenage have not won any of their last five games in all comps, drawing three and losing two.

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06.03. (Tue) 20:45 Arsenal - Milan

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PROBABLE LINEUPS

Arsenal Szczesney Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Gibbs Rosicky, Song, Walcott, Gervinho, Chamberlain Van Persie

AC Milan Abbiati Abate, Mexes, Silva, Antonini Van Bommel Muntari, Nocerino, Emanuelson Ibrahimovic, Robinho

Arsene Wenger has several fresh injury worries with Mikel Arteta being taken to hospital with concussion during the Gunners' clash with Liverpool on Saturday and his replacement, Abou Diaby, also suffering a hamstring injury later in the game. Aaron Ramsey is still missing with an ankle niggle and is unlikely to return until next week whilst Yossi Benayoun is also carrying a hamstring problem.

Kieran Gibbs picked up a knock against Liverpool and is a doubt so Carl Jenkinson could replace him at left-back. The growing injuries could lead to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Gervinho start while Johan Djourou is in contention for a return to the squad.

Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri is without Alexandre Pato after the forward picking up a thigh injury against Juventus while Clarence Seedorf and Kevin-Prince Boateng have not played since the first leg. Former Gunner Mathieu Flamini has returned to full training but will probably miss out.

Maxi Lopez missed the Italian side's league clash with Palermo on Saturday with Massimo Ambrosini definitely out due to suspension. ‪Urby Emanuelson and Luca Antonini‬, however, are in line to return.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Arsenal are unbeaten in 13 games at the Emirates.

• Six of the Gunners' last 19 home wins in Europe have been by four or more goals.

• In their last two home games, Wenger's men netted seven against Blackburn and another five against Tottenham with Robin van Persie (pictured right) contributing ten in 11 games across all competitions.

• The north London outfit have managed 55 goals in 27 league games this campaign, two more than they recorded at this same stage of the 'Invincibles' season of 2003/04.

• AC Milan have been knocked out at this stage of the Champions League in each of the last four seasons.

• In their last league game, the Italian giants destroyed Palermo by the same scoreline they beat Arsenal by in the first-leg (4-0) with Zlatan Ibrahimovic netting a hat-trick.

• Milan went into the 2003/04 quarter-finals with a 4-1 lead over Deportivo La Coruna, only to crash out after loosing 4-0 to the Spanish side in the second-leg.

• However, no-one has ever managed to overturn a foul-goal deficit over two-legs in the Champions League.

• The clash at the Emirates will be the visitors' 350th match in UEFA competitions.

• Arsenal have Tomas Rosicky, Alex Song and Djourou one yellow card away from a suspension, while Milan's Mark van Bommel will be also banned if he picks up a booking.

Prediction

Despite facing an almighty task that will re-write history if completed, Arsenal do have reason to be optimistic. They come into the game on the back of two wins from behind, against Liverpool and Tottenham, and are also in fine goal-scoring form.
It's likely to be a much closer game than the first leg but, whilst it is likely the Premier League side will have just enough to win the tie on the night, it is doubtful they will score enough to progress.

Editor's Prediction

Arsenal 2-1 Milan

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06.03. (Tue) 20:45 Birmingham City - Chelsea

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PROBABLE LINEUPS

BIRMINGHAM CITY Doyle Spector, Davies, Ibanez, Murphy Mutch, Gomis Elliott, N’Daw, Redmond Zigic

CHELSEA Cech Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Bertrand Ramires, Meireles, Mikel Kalou, Torres, Malouda

Chelsea begin life without Andre Villas-Boas as they meet Birmingham and Roberto Di Matteo will surely be hoping to impress with nothing less than a comprehensive victory over the Championship outfit. The Italian has just two injuries to deal with ahead of the tie at St Andrew's, with John Terry still recovering from his knee surgery and Jose Bosingwa out with a hamstring problem.
With just three days since their last fixtures, both sides will no doubt chop and change their teams about, especially the visitors who are likely to allow Michael Essien, Daniel Sturridge, Juan Mata and Ashley Cole a rest in order to blood some younger talent. Fernando Torres should also expect to start as the Spaniard continues to search for much-needed confidence.
Keith Fahey faces a late fitness test for Chris Hughton’s side, whilst Stephen Carr looks set to miss the clash. Wade Elliott, Morgaro Gomis and Nikola Zigic should start after spending little or no time on the pitch in the 2-2 draw with Derby County on Saturday.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Birmingham City have reached the final of the FA Cup twice, in 1931 and 1956, finishing runners-up both times.

• Chelsea have lost three of their last six games in all competitions, whilst their hosts on Tuesday night have lost just once in the same run.

• The winner of this tie will be awarded £180,000 by the Football Association and will face Leicester City at home in a quarter-final tie.

• Just 15 clubs took part in the inaugural FA Cup, compared to this season’s 700.

• The Premier League outfit have won three of the last six against Birmingham, with the Championship side winning just the once.

• Didier Drogba (pictured right) scored the only goal in the 2007 final against Manchester United, the last time Chelsea claimed the cup.

• The original trophy, which had a value of £20, was stolen following Aston Villa’s victory in the final in 1895 and never recovered.

Prediction

It will be interesting to see how Chelsea react to losing yet another manager but they will beno doubt be desperate for a win to raise their spirits after a run of pretty dismal performances. The top-flight club were odds on to progress in the sides' intial meeting and will no doubt be tipped to go through to the quarter-finals once more. However, Birmingham gave them a few problems at Stamford Bridge and on home turf will have an even larger backing to urge them on which could mean a narrow win either way.

Editor's Prediction

Birmingham 1-2 Chelsea

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06.03. (Tue) 20:45 Benfica - Zenit

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PROBABLE LINEUPS

BENFICA Artur Emerson, Luisao, Miguel Vitor, Pereira Javi Garcia, Witsel Gaitan, Rodrigo, Nolito Cardozo

ZENIT Malafeev Anyukov, Alves, Hubocan, Criscito Zyryanov, Denisov, Shirokov Faizulin, Kerzhakov, Lazovic

Benfica's Ezequiel Garay picked up a knee injury during Friday evening's 3-2 defeat versus Porto on domestic duty, and as a result has been ruled out of the contest. He is likely to be replaced in the back four by Miguel Vitor.

Pablo Aimar also sustained a knock in that match, and in any case will serve a one-match ban, meaning his place in the starting line-up is likely to be taken by Rodrigo. He will feature in behind Paraguayan goal-getter Oscar Cardozo.

Better news saw Javi Garcia get through the Porto fixture unscathed after being out of action due to a muscular problem sustained in training, and he is likely to keep his role in the centre of the pitch.

For the visitors, who lead 3-2 from an incident-packed first leg in Russia, recently-returning Andrey Arshavin is ineligible after securing a loan move from Arsenal. Vyacheslav Malafeev recovered to make his first appearance for the club in 2012 in the weekend draw with CSKA Moscow, and will retain his spot in goal.

However, Aleksandr Bukharov hasn't recovered from a hamstring strain and is unlikely to take part, while influential playmaker Danny is ruled out for the rest of the campaign with serious ligament damage.

DID YOU KNOW?

• On 31 separate occasions, Benfica have been defeated in the first leg of a two-legged European tie, and have went on to progress to the next round nine times.

• Tuesday's match will be Benfica's 50th Uefa Champions League outing.

• Oscar Cardozo has scored 14 goals in his last 14 appearances for the club.

• Zenit are unbeaten in their last 18 matches in all competitions, stretching back to their matchday one defeat at the hands of APOEL.

• This is the St Petersburg club's 100th match in Uefa competition, and their first-leg win over Benfica was their 50th victory.

• Goalkeeper Malafeev is the current Russian No. 1, and he has yet to concede a goal in his last 606 minutes at international level.

Prediction

Zenit have already been to Portugal this season and got the result they needed, drawing 0-0 in Porto to escape the group stage, and it would not be surprising to see Luciano Spalletti's side complete a famous double to progress to the quarter-finals.

Editor's Prediction

Benfica 1-1 Zenit

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Championship Opta Facts - March 6-7

Bristol City v Leicester

The last two meetings between the two sides both ended in a 2-1 scoreline (one win each).
Bristol have enjoyed just one victory in their last four home meetings with Leicester, although that win came in the last clash on home soil (2-0 in November 2010).
City have lost three on the trot in the league, the joint-current worst losing streak in the division.
David Nugent has netted a total of three goals in his last three games for the Foxes.
A league-high 56% (25) of Leicester's goals have come in the first half this season.
City have shipped exactly three goals in five of their last six games (conceding two in the other fixture).

Coventry v Crystal Palace

The last three meetings between the two sides (in all competitions) have ended in 2-1 wins for the home side (one victory for Coventry, two for Palace).
In the league, the Sky Blues have enjoyed just one victory in their last six home meetings with the Eagles (drawing one and losing four), although that win did come in the last meeting (2-1, February 2011).
City have failed to find the net in three of their last five fixtures, and two of their last three.
Palace have kept three clean sheets in their last three games, the joint-current longest run without conceding in the Championship.
73% of the goals Palace have shipped this season have come in the second half, a league-"high" figure.
Three of City's last five goals have come from the penalty spot.

Derby v Blackpool

There have only been a total of just three goals scored in the last three meetings between the two sides.
At Pride Park, the Rams have enjoyed just one win in their last four games against the Tangerines (in all competitions), drawing one and losing two.
Blackpool have only netted one goal in the first 15 minutes of their games this season, a league-low figure.
The Rams are without a win in seven league games, the joint-worst current winless run in the division.
Blackpool have found the back of the net in each of their last 10 games, the current longest scoring run in the division.
Ian Holloway's charges have picked up a league-high 26 points from losing positions this season.

Hull v Leeds United

Leeds have lost just one of their last 11 games against Hull, winning seven and drawing three.
Robert Snodgrass has bagged a goal in each of Leeds' last two fixtures against the Tigers.
Hull have shipped a total of just one goal in their last seven league games.
Leeds have failed to score in their each of their last two games - they have yet to go three without finding the net this season.
The Tigers have failed to score in six of their last 10 league games.
United have kept just two clean sheets in their last 14 fixtures.

Middlesbrough v Barnsley

At the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough have lost just one of their last seven games against Barnsley, winning four and drawing two.
Scott McDonald has scored in both of Boro's last two meetings with the Tykes.
Dutch striker Marvin Emnes has bagged a total of four goals in Boro's last four games.
The Tykes have enjoyed just one victory in their last six league games.
Barnsley have only picked up one point from losing positions this season, a joint-league-low figure.
'Boro have kept just one clean sheet in their last 10 league games.
Barnsley have bagged only one first-half goal in their last six games.

Nottingham Forest v Doncaster

The last four meetings between the two sides have produced a total of just four goals in total (one 1-1, one 0-0 and two 1-0s).
Forest have enjoyed just one win in their last five home games against Rovers, drawing two (both 0-0) and losing two.
Forest have won just one of their last eight games at the City Ground, although that victory did come in their last game (2-0 v Coventry).
Rovers are without a win in seven league games.
Forest have kept just one clean sheet in their last 11 league fixtures.
Donny's last two games have both ended in a 1-1 scoreline.

Peterborough v Millwall

Peterborough have enjoyed just one win in their last five meetings with Millwall, drawing two and losing two.
On home soil, the Posh have lost just one of their last seven home clashes with the Lions, winning two and drawing four.
Peterborough have enjoyed just one win in their last 10 league games.
Irish international Andy Keogh has bagged three goals in the Lions' last four league games.
55% of the goals the Posh have shipped this season have come before the break, a league-"high" figure.

Southampton v Ipswich

Southampton are unbeaten in their last five clashes with Ipswich (in all competitions), winning three (the last three in a row) and drawing two.
The Saints have scored a total of 10 goals in their last three games against the Tractor Boys.
Ricky Lambert has netted a total of four goals in his last two games for the Saints.
Ipswich's last three games have all ended in a 3-0 scoreline (two wins, one defeat).
The Saints have netted a league-high 10 goals in the opening 15 minutes of their games this season.
Ipswich have kept clean sheets in three of their last four games.
The Solent side have kept three clean sheets in a row, their longest run without shipping a goal this season.

Reading v Portsmouth

Reading have won just one of their last 10 meetings with Portsmouth, losing six and drawing three.
The Royals have netted just one goal in total in their last four clashes at home to Pompey.
Reading have now won six games in a row, the best such run in the division this season.
Reading have thrown away a league-low two points from leading positions this season.
24% of the goals Pompey have shipped this season have come in the first 15 minutes of their games, a league-"high" proportion.
A league-high 72% (31) of Reading's goals this season have come in the second half.

Brighton v Cardiff

Brighton have enjoyed just one win in their last six meetings with Cardiff (in all competitions), although that victory did come earlier this season (3-1 away).
The Bluebirds have netted exactly one goal in each of their last three games against the Seagulls.
The Sussex side are now unbeaten in 10 games, the best current such run in the Championship.
37% of the goals Cardiff have conceded this season have come in the last 15 minutes of their games, a league-"high" proportion.
The Seagulls have failed to score in just one of their last 10 fixtures.
Cardiff have failed to score in both of their last two games, their worst scoring run in the current campaign.

West Ham v Watford

Three of the last four meetings between these two sides in all competitions have ended in a 1-0 scoreline (all wins for Watford), although West Ham won the last meeting, earlier this season, 4-0.
At Upton Park, the Hammers have lost just one of their 11 league clashes with the Hornets, although that defeat did come in the last meeting in east London in February 2007 (1-0).
Watford have failed to score in two of their last three games.
The Hammers are unbeaten in their last five league games, winning three and drawing two.
In the 15 minute period leading up to half-time, Watford have netted a total of 12 goals this season, more than any other side.
Sam Allardyce's side have lost just one of the 12 home games in which they were ahead this season.

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French Ligue 1 Opta Facts - Évian TG v Marseille 6th March

The head to head history between these sides is perfectly balanced with a win each.
Marseille have failed to convert any of their last 52 shots in Ligue 1, currently the longest run.
Evian TG won 3-1 in the only previous meeting between these teams at the Parc des Sports.
ETG manager Pablo Correa has lost all of his five previous Ligue 1 encounters against clubs managed by Didier Deschamps.
Marseille have not lost a Ligue 1 game to a promoted team since August 2010, a run of eight matches.
Marseille are without a win in four consecutive league games for the first time since September 2011.
Evian TG have picked up 16 points out of a possible 18 in their last six home league games.
79% of the goals conceded by ETG this season at the Parc des Sports in the league have come in the second half of games.

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06.-07. 03. 2012 AFC Champions League previews: Match Day 1

The opening matchday of the 2012 AFC Champions League (ACL) kicks off this Tuesday and Wednesday.

This year's edition promises to be very exciting with plenty of clubs emerging throughout Asia, in particular China's big-spending Guangzhou, Thailand's Buriram and stylish Australian outfit Brisbane.

In addition, 2011 saw West Asia end East Asia's recent dominance, which will surely provoke clubs from Japan and South Korea into action.

Indeed, stasamtireko-tips.blogspot.com previews the upcoming fixtures and takes a look at what to expect from each of the 32 clubs competing in this year's tournament.

GROUP A

Nasaf Qarshi (UZB) v Al Jazira (UAE) - Tuesday 6.30pm Dubai time

Uzbek runners-up and 2011 AFC Cup winners Nasaf Qarshi make their first appearance in the ACL, with a home fixture against ambitious UAE champions Al Jazira to begin their journey. The new Uzbek season is yet to start, while Al Jazira are third in the Pro-League with striker Ricardo Oliveira top of the scoring charts.

Al Rayyan (QAT) v Esteghlal (IRN) - Tuesday 7.20pm Dubai time

Last year's Emir of Qatar Cup winners Al Rayyan entertain Tehran giants Esteghlal, who came through the play-offs to qualify for the ACL. Al Rayyan are currently third in Qatar, but have won three on the trot, with Afonso Alves firing on all cylinders. Esteghlal are second in Iran, but have failed to win in their last two domestically as injuries have become an issue.

GROUP B

Bani Yas (UAE) v Al Arabi (QAT) - Tuesday 6.50pm Dubai time

Gabriel Calderon's Bani Yas and Qatari outfit Al Arabi are both making their debut appearances in the ACL. Bani Yas are currently struggling in UAE's Pro-League with Jorvan Vieira sacked earlier this season, while star signing David Trezeguet came and left after an unsuccessful spell. Al Arabi are not doing much better, sitting down in ninth under a caretaker coach.

Al Ittihad (KSA) v Pakhtakor (UZB) - Tuesday 9.35pm Dubai time

Three-time Asian champions Al Ittihad entertain Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor, with the Saudi Arabian side hoping to make up for a dismal 2011-12 domestic campaign. Last season's ACL semi-finalists are currently seventh in Saudi's top flight, having lost three consecutive games. They do, however, have a new boss in Spaniard Raul Caneda. Uzbekistan Cup winners Pakhtakor curiously recently signed Japan's Naoya Shibamura as their Asian player.

GROUP C

Sepahan (IRN) v Al Nasr (UAE) - Wednesday 7pm Dubai time

Current Iranian league leaders Sepahan will meet Walter Zenga's Al Nasr in Isfahan. The Iran champions were knocked out of last season's ACL at the quarter-final stage by eventual winners Al Sadd after fielding an ineligible player. They will hope to improve on that. Al Nasr have some ex-Serie A stars firing the side, including Socceroo Mark Bresciano and former Italy international Luca Toni. The Dubai outfit are currently second in UAE's Pro-League.

Lekhwiya (QAT) v Al Ahli (KSA) - Wednesday 7.30pm Dubai time

Djamel Belmadi's Lekhwiya make their first appearance in the ACL as Qatari champions but their first match is a tough one against Saudi title contenders Al Ahli. Victor Simoes and Amad Al Hosni have been scoring goals for fun in Saudi Arabia's top flight this term, with the team sitting second, one point behind the leaders. Belmadi's side are currently top of the table in Qatar, conceding just nine goals in 17 games.

GROUP D

Al Shabab (UAE) v Al Gharafa (QAT) - Wednesday 8pm Dubai time

Bruno Metsu's 2010-11 Qatari runners-up make the trip to Dubai to face Paulo Bonamigo's Al Shabab. Bonamigo's side, who qualified after a fourth-place finish in UAE last term, are currently fourth again. Meanwhile, the Cheetahs are down in sixth in the Stars League with a bit of a goal shortage after only 15 strikes in 17 games. Al Gharafa have won their past two league games with Iranian Farhad Majidi finding some goalscoring form.

Al Hilal (KSA) v Persepolis (IRN) - Wednesday 9.35pm Dubai time

Two genuine West Asian giants meet in this clash, with Saudi champions Al Hilal playing host to Tehran powerhouse Persepolis. Al Hilal recently replaced coach Thomas Doll with Ivan Hasek following a poor run of results in the domestic league which has left them down in third, but the return of Christian Wilhelmsson after a loan spell is a major boost. Persepolis qualify as Hazfi Cup winners, but are struggling domestically in eighth, although their new coach Mustafa Denizli offers renewed optimism.

GROUP E

Gamba Osaka (JPN) v Pohang Steelers (SKO) - Tuesday 6pm Singapore time

Two recent Asian champions face off at the Osaka Expo '70 Stadium, with Gamba under the tutelage of a new coach Jose Carlos Serrao after the departure of long-serving boss Akira Nishino in the off-season. Gamba are boosted by the arrival of Japan defender Yasuyuki Konno and Korea international Lee Seung-Yeoul, while Pohang lost Mota and Adriano Chuva in the close season, but have added Romania international Ianis Zicu.

Bunyodkor (UZB) v Adelaide United (AUS) - Tuesday 8pm Singapore time

Bunyodkor have won the Uzbek title four years in a row, but their best run in the ACL was as far as the semi-finals in 2008, when Adelaide knocked them out. The same two sides meet in this group, with the Reds qualifying via the play-offs thanks to a 3-0 win over Indonesian champions Persipura. Adelaide are struggling domestically, sitting second last in the A-League. Bunyodkor recently signed Australian left-back David Carney.

GROUP F

Brisbane Roar (AUS) v FC Tokyo (JPN) - Tuesday 5.30pm Singapore time

There's a lot of expectations about Ange Postecoglou's A-League champions, who it is hoped can do well in Asia with little Australian success in recent times. Roar, though, will be without midfielder Mitch Nichols but have lethal foreign duo Thomas Broich and Besart Berisha fit. FC Tokyo are a newly-promoted side in Japan and qualified for the ACL through their 2011 Emperor's Cup success. They lost the Japanese Super Cup at the weekend under their new boss Ranko Popovic.

Ulsan Hyundai (SKO) v Beijing Guoan (CHI) - Tuesday 6.30pm Singapore time

Kim Ho-Gon's Ulsan only managed 33 goals in 30 regular-season games last term before going on to reach the K-League Championship decider. This season they have bolstered their squad with attacking options Lee Keun-Ho and Akihiro Ienaga, who are expected to give them a boost. Guoan, who finished the 2011 Chinese season as runners-up, have lost Joel Griffiths and Walter Martinez, but added former Serbian Superliga Golden Boot Andrija Kaluderovic.

GROUP G

Nagoya Grampus (JPN) v Seongnam Ilhwa (SKO) - Wednesday 6pm Singapore time

Dragan Stojkovic's Japanese runners-up Nagoya Grampus entertain 2010 Asian champions Seongnam Ilhwa. Grampus, who crashed out in the round of 16 last season to Suwon Bluewings, have had few off-season changes, while Korean FA Cup winners Seongnam, who had a disappointing 2011 league campaign finishing 10th, have strengthened their squad with the signing of Korea international pair Yoon Bit-Garam and Han Sang-Woon.

Tianjin Teda (CHI) v Central Coast Mariners (AUS) - Wednesday 8pm Singapore time

Last year's Chinese FA Cup winners Tianjin Teda play host to current A-League leaders Central Coast. Tianjin have had a change of coach and also lost star man Yu Dabao since their cup triumph, while Graham Arnold's Mariners have had a strong A-League season, but recently have only managed one win in their past six games. The departure of striker Matt Simon to Korea has been a blow.

GROUP H

Jeonbuk Motors (SKO) v Guangzhou Evergrande (CHI) - Wednesday 6pm Singapore time

Last season's beaten ACL finalists welcome big-spending Chinese champions Guangzhou in their opening match. Jeonbuk started the new K-League season with a 3-2 win over Seongnam Ilhwa on Saturday, with Lee Dong-Gook breaking the competition's goalscoring record with a brace. Guangzhou are still preparing for the new campaign, but recently won the Super Cup.

Buriram United (THA) v Kashiwa Reysol (JPN) - Wednesday 7.30pm Singapore time

Thai champions Buriram United host 2011 J-League winners Kashiwa Reysol in Thailand. Buriram won a domestic treble last term, so they are ambitious about the ACL campaign, but being drawn in a group of East Asian champions doesn't help their chances. Kashiwa won the Japanese Super Cup 2-1 over FC Tokyo at the weekend and look strong once again.

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