ACL MD5 - Group H: Pohang Steelers v Guangzhou Evergrande preview

Published on: 18 April 2016

Pohang: Three-time continental champions Pohang Steelers and 2015 winners Guangzhou Evergrande from China face-off at The Steelyard on Tuesday with both knowing defeat in the penultimate Group H contest will end their AFC Champions League campaigns this season.

K-League Classic side Pohang have picked up just four points from their opening four games, although that is two more than the defending champions.

Pohang drew in China with Guangzhou at the start of the campaign before beating Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds, but successive 1-0 defeats by Group H leaders Sydney FC from Australia (pictured), have seen Choi Jin-cheul’s side slip to third place in the table.

“A point is no good for us,” said Pohang coach Choi. “We know what we have to do and we will be looking for the three points. Guangzhou are a dangerous team and are defending champion. We will have to be at our best.”

Pohang, who won the Asian Club Championship twice before landing the AFC Champions League title in 2009, have also collected just two points from their last four domestic outings meaning Choi’s side, who will be without midfielder Son Jun-ho due to injury, have failed to win in their last five games in all competitions.

“We will miss a player of his (Son’s) calibre,” added Choi. “But we are focused on the task ahead and ensuring that we can still progress to the next stage.”

Guangzhou, in comparison, recorded a 2-1 comeback win over Henan Jianye in the Chinese Super League on Friday and Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side currently sit second in the table after also beating Beijing Guoan following their defeat by Urawa earlier this month

Colombian international striker Jackson Martinez, though, suffered an ankle injury during the win and is set to miss the meeting with Pohang along with suspended captain Zheng Zhi.

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“It is true that we are missing some important players,” said Guangzhou coach Scolari, with 2013 and 2015 AFC Champions League winners Guangzhou currently bottom of Group H with two points from four games and knowing unlike Pohang who can keep their hopes alive with draw, they must win at The Steelyard.

“Regardless, we have enough talented players to come in who can do a good job for us and help us get the result we need.

“I am still confident that we can progress to the next stage, there are two games left and we will be doing all we can to get the wins.

“We have prepared well for the game, we know it will be tough but we are ready.”

Photo: Lagardère Sports

Source: the-afc.com

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