The UAE international was conspicuous by his absence as Al Wahda lost their opening game to Iranians Zobahan while Bunyodkor impressively dismissed last year’s finalists Al Ittihad in Tashkent.

“It is a very decisive match for us. We lost away against Zob Ahan and it is very important that we win our home matches. We will have to get a good result,” said coach Josef Hickersberger.

The Austrian picked out former FIFA World Player of the Year and Brazilian World Cup winner Rivaldo as the Uzbek’s main danger man.

“He was a great player and is still very good when he has the ball. Not only can he shoot, he can create goals and even convert free-kicks near the box.

“Bunyodkor are the favourites to win the cup and won very impressively against Al Ittihad. But we have a very good side too and players who are capable of matching them.

“We have to make the most of it when we are in possession and try not to lose the ball. They are a very fast team, create a lot of spaces and use them effectively.”

Bunyodkor coach Luis Felipe Scolari is hoping two practice matches in the UAE in the build-up to the AFC Champions League will stand his side in good stead.

“The two matches we played here in Abu Dhabi and Dubai during the build-up for this tournament will certainly help us a lot,” said Scolari.

“Our league has not yet started while most of the other clubs in the AFC Champions League are well into their domestic events. We can’t do much about it but only work harder.”

Al Wahda have been hit by an injury to Brazilian midfielder Magrao but compatriots Fernando Baiano and Pinga (André Luciano da Silva), along with a number of UAE internationals, will be hoping to click against their powerful opponents and will be heartened by the country’s 1-0 win in Tashkent last week in the final round of AFC Asian Cup 2011 qualifiers.

Rivaldo, who was part of the team beaten in the semi-finals by Adelaide United in 2008 and to eventual champions Pohang Steelers last year, vowed Bunyodkor are focused on going all the way.

“We will put in the extra effort to try and do well this year,” he said.

Former Pohang star Denilson scored on his Bunyodkor debut against Al Ittihad and has already impressed his fellow Brazilian.

“He is a very good player and a great asset to our team,” added Rivaldo.