Quote:
Originally Posted by IstollationOgod
I think SAFFC play better on grass than on artificial pitch ... look they haven really much luck on Artificial pitch .. Opinions?
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While Choa Chu Kang is natural pitch and of equal footing for all, Jalan Besar seating and lighting meets AFC rules, as well as pitch (don't forget, our ACL matches are broadcast live on Star Sports, and Gamba Osaka got in a Japanese TV crew (NHK/Fuji/...) as well). No doubt about that, there must be real seats (all seater. no terraces) or it's out. So that either leaves the huge creaking bowl called the National Stadium, the somewhat surreal place called the Floating Platform and Jalan Besar
anyway here's my take on this week's fixtures, in East Asia
Tue 23/03
Group E
Seongnam Ilhwa-Beijing Guo'an: something has got to give here between this top-of-the-table clash. So far Beijing Guo'an has surpassed many expectations about Chinese sides in the ACL, and their dangerman Ryan Griffiths is surely going to cause quite a few problems here, since every time he scores, Beijing wins. At least Seongnam has diversified their scoring origins (4 different scorers in consecutive 2-0 wins). While Beijing will be rather predictable (stop R.Griffiths and Valdo the Brazilian striker), Seongnam will come up against a defence reinforced by former Aberdeen, Rangers and Wolves player Maurice Ross. I'll go for 1-1 and it's probably better-than-nothing for Beijing
Kawasaki Frontale-Melbourne Victory: the mission here is plain and simple: winner takes all, since even draw will not be an option here. Kawasaki has struggled in the ACL, even with former Galatasaray, Rennes, Fulham and WBA midfielder Junichi Inamoto back in Japan for them, and a 4-0 loss against Shunsuke Nakamura's Yokohama have hardly helped their preparations. While Melbourne have already secured their entry to the ACL in 2011 after getting 2nd in the A League (and hence can focus for ACL), cold and wet conditions (rainy, 10 degrees C) will be a sea-change from the hot climes of summery Melbourne. given both will be struggling in different areas, 1-1 (though Kawasaki looks strong enough on paper to win 2-1)
Group G
Henan Jianye-Suwon Bluewings: Li Weifeng would find this place strange yet familiar at the same time. Henan has a defence that is second to none in most of Asia, and a brave draw with Gamba means they won't be so easily bossed around by the Koreans. But Henan's problem remains their new Senegalese striker who seems to be a misfit in front of goal, and their attack being of the 1-dimensional braveheart type, Li Weifeng will most likely nullify his countrymen without much of a sweat. Add to the fact that Suwon's Brazilians are rather tricky to deal with (Juninho can defend and attack, while Jose Mota is very dangerous in front of goal, as SAFFC can attest), expect Suwon to use their experience to steer their way through. 2-0 to Suwon, either or both Brazilians to score
SAFFC-Gamba Osaka: Gamba has more or less decided not to bring in their full coterie of players, like Yasuhito Endo, while dangerman Lucas Severino is ruled out. But SAFFC has problems of their own, injury or otherwise. With Gamba having a poor league start, 2 points in 3 league games and their ACL campaign stuttering with 2 draws, this would be a perfect tonic for them, if only for 1 night, to forget their current troubles. SAFFC can take heart that all the spotlight (and a harsh one at that) will be on hot favourites Gamba, so while I'll hope Mr Bok comes up with a surprise (1-1), I'll prefer to keep things in perspective and go 1-0 or 2-0 for Gamba (and unfortunately for SAFFC, it would be Brazilian trouble yet again)
Wed 24/03
Group F
Changchun Yatai-Jeonbuk Motors: A crucial one for both teams, now that their expected losses to Kashima and freak results on Persipura has been materialized. With this being a serious business, this is part 2 of the China-Korea battle (the other being Henan-Suwon). 2007 champions Jeonbuk were unfortunate to have frittered away a 1-0 lead against Kashima, so they would have something to prove here. 1-1 suits both teams fine this round, though Jeonbuk might have to risk it because of a vastly inferior goal difference
Kashima Antlers-Persipura Jayapura: An even steeper learning curve awaits for Persipura. Their second away trip after that infamous 0-9 mauling by Changchun is even more challenging, given Kashima has the free scoring Marquinhos, the flowing footie that SAFFC is learning nowadays and are way stronger than Changchun in all departments. A 5-0 win for the Antlers doesnt seem that outrageous under such circumstances (it'd be an achievement if Persipura can limit the damage to 4 and below and/or score, something our Warriors didnt do)
Group H
Adelaide United-Sanfreece Hiroshima: Perhaps it'd be time for Sanfreece to re-evaluate their continental aims since they're rooted to the bottom and a daunting trip to Adelaide (long flights, on form opposition with the benefit of rest) awaits. It helps, though, that the Japanese are joint-top after 3 rounds and have the feel-good factor right now. Adelaide will win 1-0 against a resolute Sanfreece side
Pohang Steelers-Shandong Luneng: While Pohang have endured a topsy-turvy start after the loss of their coach and key players, new coach Waldemar Lemos has steadied the ship [with a little help from his brother in Japan]. Shandong, though, are never the best while on the road, and it would be the same old story, especially with injuries hitting the Chinese. 2-1 Pohang, won't need to endure a nail-biting moment like the match against Sanfreece
NOTE: For my predictions on the West Asian ACL fixtures, please refer to my new blog post
AFC Champions League Match Day 3-West Asian preview
Re: AFC Champions League 2010
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