Pakhtakor [Uzbekistan]

The Uzbek giants have clinched the domestic league and cup double for six consecutive years and will be looking to add a piece of continental silverware in their bulging trophy cabinet.

However, Pakhtakor have somewhat failed to translate their domestic form into success in the Asian Champions League. And, they’ve never progressed past the group stage for the last three editions.

Managed by Rayshan Haydarov, Pakhtakor will be hoping they will be able to improve their showing this year.

Previous ACL Record:

2003 – Semifinal

2004 – Semifinal

2005 – Group stage

2006 – Group stage

2007 – Group stage

Goal.com Asia Pick: 1st

Al Qadsiya [Kuwait]

The Kuwait league outfit was semi-finalists in the 2006 edition. They booked their berth in this year’s competition by winning the Emir Cup.

Al Qadsiya will be without defenders Mesaed Neda and Tareq Al Khulaifi, as well as midfielders Abdullah Al Dhafeeri and midfielder Abdulrahman Mousa in their opening match against Pakhtakor.

However, their Portuguese coach Jose Garrido is confident his charges are well prepared for the tournament.

"We are ready for the match against Pakhtakor," he told the Asian Football Confederation [AFC] web site.

"Our last win in the league gave the players the necessary push after losing out in the Kuwait Crown Prince Cup title and they are ready mentally and physically.

Previous ACL Record:

2006 – Semifinal

Goal.com Asia pick: 2nd

Al Gharafa [Qatar]

Qatar League outfit Al Gharafa made their first-ever appearance in the Asian Champions Leaguein 2006. But, it was a debut they would certainly want to forget as they finished bottom of their group.

Now coached by Brazilian Marcos Paqueta, the former Saudi Arabia boss will be expecting a much improved performance from his charges this year. Al Gharafa have impressive firepower upfront in Brazilian striker Araujo and Iraq international Younis Mahmoud.

When asked about Al Gharafa’s chances about qualifying from the group, Paqueta is confident his side will do well.

"Our chances in the group are good, just like the other teams. We have a great side and there is good understanding between the players and our ambition is to win the title," he told the AFC web site.

Can Paqueta weave his magic and inspire Al Gharafa to success?

Previous ACL Record:

2006 – Group stage

Goal.com Asia Pick: 3rd

Arbil FC [Iraq]

Arbil are newcomers to the ACL, having won the Iraqi League title in 2007. The team, however, will not be playing their home matches in Iraq because of safety reasons. Instead, neighbouring Jordan will host the matches instead.

Despite the tough teams in his group, Arbil coach Akram Salman believes his players will put in their best effort.

"Our group is very hard because all the other teams have the same high standards and have an equal chance of qualifying from the group," Salman explained to the AFC web site.

Arbil have the potential to cause a few upsets in this challenging group.

Previous ACL Record: None

Goal.com Asia Pick: 4th