The AFC Champions League 2018 pre-quarterfinals are about to come to a close in the East Zone. Here is a look at what awaits us in a crucial week:
Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN) v Tianjin Quanjian (CHN)
Guangzhou Evergrande are at home against Tianjin Quanjian in what is set to be a tight AFC Champions League Round of 16 2nd leg match on Tuesday.
After the first leg finished in a goalless draw, this game assumes even more significance. Though Guangzhou are at home, they know that Tianjin will get the away goal advantage if they manage to score. Tianjin are making their debut in the tournament while Guangzhou are seasoned campaigners.
The home team will look towards their experience and try to pull through.
Venue: Tianhe Stadium, Guangzhou
Kick-off: May 15, 20:00 UTC+8
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR) v Buriram United (THA)
South Korean outfit Jeonbuk Hyundai have a task on their hands when they welcome Thailand's Buriram United on Tuesday. The first leg between the two teams had finished in favour of the Thai side who ran out 3-2 victors.
However, the two away goals scored on that day means Jeonbuk only need a 1-0 or a 2-1 win to go through to the quarterfinals. Moreover, Jeonbuk have won all three of their home games to date, netting 12 goals in the process. Buriram United will have to be on top of their game to deny Jeonbuk at home.
Venue: Jeonju World Cup Stadium, Jeonju
Kick-off: May 15, 19:00 UTC+9
Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR) v Ulsan Hyundai (KOR)
Suwon Bluewings are at home against compatriots Ulsan Hyundai in the second leg of the AFC Champions League Round of 16 clash.
Suwon will be looking to reverse the one-goal deficit from the first leg at home and will be hopeful of reaching their first quarter-final since 2011. Ulsan, who won the competition in 2012, will be looking to fortify their advantage by scoring an away goal which could turn out to be a game changer.
It should make for a tense clash in South Korea.
Venue: Suwon World Cup Stadium, Suwon
Kick-off: May 16, 20:00 UTC+9
Shanghai SIPG (CHN) v Kashima Antlers (JPN)
Shanghai SIPG have a tough task on their hands when they welcome Japan's Kashima Antlers on Wednesday in the second leg of their Round of 16 clash.
The 3-1 defeat they suffered in the first leg in Japan has left them with a mountain to climb at home. Only Elkeson's late goal helped Shanghai SIPG get an away goal which means a 2-0 win would do nicely for them.
But Kashima Antlers are undefeated in away games this season which makes the tie even more interesting.
Venue: Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai
Kick-off: May 16, 20:00 UTC+8
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=640&quality=60)