Melbourne Victory eager for ACL challenge

GUIDE TO MELBOURNE VICTORY'S 2018 ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CAMPAIGN

DRAW

February 13 - Ulsan (H)

February 20 - Shanghai SIPG (A)

March 7 - Kawasaki Frontale (A)

March 13 - Kawasaki Frontale (H)

April 4 - Ulsan (A)

April 18 - Shanghai SIPG (H)

VICTORY'S GROUP STAGE OPPONENTS

* ULSAN HYUNDAI (Republic of Korea)

Qualified as Korean FA Cup winners

Coach: Kim So-hoon

The South Koreans are, like Victory, the underdogs in the fight but have a sturdy defence and have bolstered their side with returning international Park Joo-ho.

Best ACL result: Winners (2012)

Record with Melbourne Victory: Never met

* SHANGHAI SIPG (China)

Qualified after second-placed finish in the Chinese Super League

Coach: Vitor Pereira

With star Brazilian trio Oscar, previously of Chelsea, Elkeson and Hulk in their midst, the cashed-up Chinese squad are serious contenders to do better than last year's appearance in the last four.

Best ACL result: Semi-finals (2017)

Record against Victory: One win, one loss (2016 ACL group stage)

* KAWASAKI FRONTALE (Japan)

Qualified by winning the J.League

Coach: Toru Oniki

The surprise winners of last year's Japanese title are favourites, with Shanghai SIPG, to progress. Golden boot winner and captain Yu Kobayashi will lead the line.

Best ACL result: Quarter finals (2007, 2009, 2017)

Record against Victory: One win, one loss (2010 ACL group stage)

MELBOURNE VICTORY'S ACL RECORD

2008 - 2nd in group stage, exit (2 wins, 1 draw, 3 losses) Coach: Ernie Merrick

2010 - 4th in group stage, exit (1 win, 1 draw, 4 losses) Coach: Ernie Merrick

2011 - 4th in group stage, exit (1 win, 3 draws, 2 losses) Coach: Ernie Merrick/Mehmet Durakovic

2014 - 3rd in group stage, exit (2 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses) Coach: Kevin Muscat

2016 - 2nd in group stage (2 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss), round of 16 exit (3-2 agg loss to Jeonbuk) Coach: Kevin Muscat