Pakhtakor face Al Gharafa at Al Gharafa Stadium in a Round of 16 clash still recovering from the abrupt departure of previous coach Miodrag Radulovic.

And replacement Haydarov is particularly concerned over the potential impact of Brazilian duo Juninho (Antonio Augusto Ribeiro Reis Jr.) and Araujo (Clemerson de Araujo Soares) along with Iraq international Younes Mahmood and Sadd Al Shammari, who all helped Al Gharafa to the domestic title this season.

"Juninho, Clemerson (Araujo) and Younes have been their key players this season,” said Haydarov (pictured).

“They have done very well and helped their side win titles. They are a lethal group of players and I think they have to be stopped in tomorrow’s match.

"They control the games for Al Gharafa. We know they are a good side. Sadd (Al Shammari) is another player who we have to watch out for. These players have played good football this season.”

However, Haydarov insisted his side are far from overawed by their opponents.

"We are well prepared for this game, make no mistake about it,” he added.

“We are ready to take our chance and win the match. Our players play well in away games. Everybody knows we have done well in AFC Champions League matches. We have experienced players on our side.”

Caio Junior, who guided Al Gharafa to QSL (Qatar Stars League) and Heir Apparent Cup titles in March and April respectively, was also not about to underestimate the Uzbeks.

"We know this will be a tough match because Pakhtakor are a very experienced side,” he said.

“I have seen tapes of their last six matches. They are very strong in the midfield and extremely well organised in defence. I know and my players know this will be a tough game."

Caio Junior also dismissed the notion that his players are tired having played more than 35 matches this season.

"No, I wouldn’t say that. My players are very motivated to reach the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League. We are ready for this challenge," he added.

Al Shammari, who is likely to captain Al Gharafa in Tuesday’s fixture, echoed his coach’s comments, adding: "We know Pakhtakor are a sound team with their tactics.

“They don’t give up until the last minute. So, we have to keep our concentration right until the end. I think it is to our benefit that we are playing on home soil so we expect that fans turn out in large numbers to support us.

"We are so near the quarter-finals spot. This event is important to us. We want to qualify for the next stage and we will do our best to achieve that."