It’s that time of year again as Australian fans prepare for midweek football in the AFC Champions League.
It all kicks off tomorrow night (Tues) when Wanderers host Japanese powerhouse Urawa Reds at 7pm (local) in Campbelltown.
The 2017 version promises an exciting ride and there is no better time to have a look at the teams – and some of the big names – that will be facing Wanderers over the coming months.
Group F: Western Sydney Wanderers
Urawa Reds
Another giant of Asia, Urawa may not have won the 2016 J-League but many felt the Reds were the best in the season overall.
There is plenty of talent in the ranks of the 2007 winner with midfielder Wataru Endo and striker Yuki Muto ready to make continental reputations while all Australian fans will remember 2011 AFC Asian Cup final goal-scorer Tadanari Lee.
Still Japan’s best supported club and the atmosphere on ACL nights can be special with their fans. Add the famous red and black supporters and this should be quite a night.
Warmed up for Tuesday night in Campbelltown with a 3-2 loss to the Antlers in the Japanese Super Cup in Yokohama on Saturday.
Wanderers for their part won the Sydney Derby 1-0.
FC Seoul
The Korea Republic champion does not need much of an introduction to Wanderers fans given their recent clashes.
Seoul still have some of the same players but have lost 2016 tournament top scorer Adriano to China.
Dejan Damjanovic is still there and former captain Ha Dae-sung has returned from FC Tokyo.
Have plenty of experience in the tournament.
Shanghai SIPG
While fans in Sydney may not know the club too well, there are plenty of famous stars.
Oscar and Hulk are world famous Brazilian international who cost over $100 million combined.
Then there is Elkeson, the highest scoring foreign player in Chinese Super League history, Chinese international star Wu Lei and plenty of promising youngsters.
Led by former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss Andre Villas-Boas, there should be quite a turnout when the Reds head to the west of Sydney.
