Eight teams from five groups could end MD4 with both feet in the Round of 16.

They are Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia, Group D), Al Sadd (Qatar, Group D), Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (Korea Republic, Group E), Kashima Antlers (Japan, Group F), Jeonbuk Motors (Korea Republic, Group F), Suwon Bluewings (Korea Republic, Group G), Adelaide United (Australia, Group H) and defending champions Pohang Steelers (Korea Republic, Group H).

The-afc.com takes a closer look at the ramifications.

Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal can guarantee their place in the last 16 by beating Al Ahli, of UAE, in their fourth group match. That would give them 10 points. Qatar’s Al Sadd could join them by beating Iran’s Mes Kerman and moving up to nine points.

Although, Mes would still have a mathematical chance of catching Sadd over the last two matches, the Qataris would have gone through on a superior head-to-head record.

Korea Republic’s Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma are aiming for their fourth straight win in ACL 2010, against China’s Beijing Guoan. If they can do that, they would take their place in the next phase with 12 points.

The two Group F qualifiers can be decided on MD4 should Kashima Antlers and Jeonbuk Motors both win. Kashima are away to Indonesian whipping boys Persipura Jayapura and victory would give them 12 points.

Jeonbuk, the 2006 ACL champions, meet Chinese side Changchun Yatai at home and will take their points tally to nine if they emerge victorious.

Even if Changchun eventually match Jeonbuk’s nine points in their final two matches, the Koreans would edge it on the head-to-head record.

Suwon Bluewings, of Korea Republic, can book their place in the last 16 if they win their MD4 game against Henan Jianye, and Singapore Armed Forces fail to beat Gamba Osaka.

The Koreans take on the Chinese team at home with victory taking them to 10 points. Victory or a draw for Japan’s Gamba would mean Suwon can finish no lower than second in the table.

Australian side Adelaide United will be looking to seal their place in the Round of 16 by beating pointless Sanfrecce Hiroshima, of Japan, on MD4 and hoping defending champions Pohang Steelers dispose of Shandong Luneng.

Victory for Adelaide would put them on 12 points while a Pohang win would see the Koreans also qualify because of their superior head-to-head record against Shandong.