SYDNEY FC AND MELBOURNE VICTORY FIGHTING FOR A-LEAGUE LIVES

The race for the Hyundai A-League finals is on in earnest. Perth Glory are now inside the top six and if current form is anything to go by the West Australians will be fighting it out in the finals. Meanwhile, both Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory’s seasons have fallen by the wayside.

With five games of the regular season remaining Sydney FC must correct an alarming run of form that has seen them collect just 3 points from the last 21 available. The form slump has been exacerbated by injuries and suspensions. Unfortunately, Alex Brosque has been ruled out for the season with a hamstring injury (only returning if the team goes deep into Finals).

Along with that, manager Graham Arnold has to navigate the Asian Champions League. [cont out our new website eastasiansoccer.co]

TEN OF THE BEST: ZHANG LINPENG

East Asian Soccer picks Ten of the Best personalities and players in the 2016 Asian Champions League.

Number 2 – Zhang Linpeng

Guangzhou Evergrande’s Zhang Linpeng burst into the consciousness of Australian football fans when he was red carded in a fiery ACL clash with Western Sydney Wanderers.

Easy to pick out with his tattooed forearms, Zhang often gets forward despite his position as fullback. He’s been the subject of much transfer speculation, but to this point the Chinese international remains the property of Guangzhou Evergrande.

Occasionally used in the centre back role, current manager Felipe Scolari has tended to utilise the 26 year old’s speed and power at fullback. Watch out for his long range shots which when on target are lethal.

Catch the full list at our new website:

http://eastasiansoccer.co

POHANG STRIKER STEELS THE LIMELIGHT

In the shadows of the big spending Chinese teams and FC Tokyo's demolition of Chonburi FC, a man called Shim, Dong-woon scored a stunning hat-trick in the Asian Champions League's final play-off fixtures.

Shim's Pohang Steelers were expected to beat Vietnamese club Hanoi T&T comfortably but were it not for the 25 year old forward, things may have been a little different. Playing on the left of a front three Shim struck first with a superb volley worthy of a Champions League fixture, on any continent.

Shim had made an unchecked run into the centre of the pitch, where he met a long ball at the edge of the box and redirected it into the back of the net. [watch the goal and highlights on this link]

Pohang's pocket rocket then went on to score in the 62nd and 84th minutes. The win put his team into Group H of the ACL alongside Guangzhou Evergrande, Urawa Reds and Sydney FC.

It's hard to imagine a tougher or more glamorous group in the Asian Champions League. The only team in Group H not to have won the ACL is A-League outfit Sydney FC.

Pohang with their three titles as Asia's number one club (most recently 2009), will battle reigning champs Guangzhou Evergrande on 24th February. The Koreans are at home for their next two matches, and though Shim, Dong-woon is not renowned for his goal-scoring, the killer instinct he showed in the ACL play-off could be enough to guide his club through a tough group.

Most are predicting a battle for second place in this Group H. An in-form forward could be all that separates 2nd from the also rans.

NO DAY TRIP FOR CHONBURI THIS YEAR

Chonburi FC of Thailand.

Reports have emerged from Chonburi FC's Asian Champions League camp that there will be no down time for the team in Japan, unlike last year.

When Chonburi got to the play-off stage last year they faced Japan's Kashiwa Reysol. Unfortunately, when players were given some down time they took full advantage, and the coaching staff forgot the team's jerseys.

Last year Chonburi took well credentialed Kashiwa to extra time despite only five players showing up to the first training session in Japan.

On the shirt-front, it has been reported that the Sharks had to have new jerseys made up on the day of the game after coaching staff failed to pack the kit for the trip. In 2016 the management have wisely outlawed day trips.

http://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/news/2016/02/07/kiji/K20160207011994340.html

ADELAIDE UNITED v SHANDONG LUNENG: ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PLAY OFF

Adelaide United have been in impressive form in the A-League of late, with 7 wins from their last 10 outings (+ 3 draws). Manager Guillermo Amor had to fend off some flak early in the season when the Reds limped to 3 draws from 8 games. But things have changed.

The criticism for straying from predecessor Josep Gombau’s easy on the eye, tiki taka style has now been silenced. In all truth, Amor’s Adelaide is only a slight departure, with players less likely to be stubbornly attempting to pass out of impossible situations.

In the January transfer window Adelaide lost passing midfielder Jimmy Jeggo and Osama Malik, but gained Stefan Mauk. The 20 year old midfielder is one of those rare Australians that looks comfortable on the ball and is reportedly being courted by clubs in Holland, Belgium and Germany. Adding to the ins, is the acquisition of former fan favourite Sergio van Dijk. The experienced striker is back from stints in Indonesia and Thailand. 

Poignantly Adelaide manager Amor emphasised the importance of the match for the locals in yesterday's press conference. "It's a big day for us, for Adelaide, the club and our supporters, and for Australian football in general," he said.

On the other hand, Shandong Luneng form part of the brave new world of Chinese soccer. Led by former Brazilian national team manager Mano Menezes, the east coast club were 6-0 victors last week in their first Asian Champions League play-off against Indians Mohun Bagan. 

As is standard with Chinese Super League clubs, Shandong have a bevy of foreigners at their disposal. Most well known would be Argentine international Walter Montillo in midfield. Amongst their Brazilian contingent is 27 year old Aloisio. The former Sao Paulo player picked up 22 goals as Shandong nudged Beijing Guoan out of 3rd place in last year’s CSL. 

Another one to watch in the orange team is Chinese national team midfielder Hao, Junmin. The 28 year old received a football education in Germany at Schalke 04 between 2009 and 2012, and he made an impression in the 2015 Asian Cup with his precision passing.

For neutrals this is probably the pick of the play-off matches in the east side of the Asian Champions League. Look out for Marcelo Carrusca, Adelaide’s midfield maestro whom a close friend of mine says is, “too good for the A-League.” Powerful Bruce Djite will be a thorn in the sides of Shandong's less physically imposing defenders. Throw in fleet-footed fullback Tarek Elrich and the home side should just have enough to join Hiroshima, FC Seoul and Buriram in Group F of the Asian Champions League. 

Betting: Adelaide United $2.60 Draw $3.40 Shandong Luneng $2.60

FC TOKYO v CHONBURI FC - ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PLAY OFF

FC Tokyo found their way to the Asian Champions League play-off via a 4th place finish in the J-League. After a great start to 2015, the loss of Yoshinori Muto severely impacted the club.

New FC Tokyo manager Hiroshi Jofuku has been quick to 'shoosh' any fans anticipating something big from the Gas Men in the play-off saying, "Getting the league title is the club's biggest aim." Their trial form has been somewhat concerning also, with a recent loss to 2nd tier Tokyo Verdy (30/1/16) and a draw with 3rd tier Ryukyu (24/1/16).

Young midfielder Shoya Nakajima is likely to be rested due to his recent commitments to the Japanese U/23s team. Of interest for outsiders will be new purchase Ha, Dae-Sung from South Korea and Aussie Nathan Burns. Ha, Dae-Sung had a trophy-less stint at Beijing Guoan, while Burns will be hoping to get more game time under the new manager.

Chonburi FC have the benefit of a 'real' match under their belts after a close shave with Yangon United in last week's round of ACL play-offs. The Thai club was forced to extra time by the Myanmar outfit. Not an impressive result but they're now battle hardened.

Word is the many new faces in the Chonburi line-up are still to gel. Amongst the new starting members are three midfielders, so it's not surprising that cohesion was lacking in the Yangon clash. Tuesday night will represent another chance for the Sharks new arrivals to impress manager Therdsak.

With so many unknowns (two new managers, pre season form, new signings) this clash is a good one for punters to steer clear of. Chonburi won't be lacking motivation after falling at the hands of Japanese opponents Kashiwa at the same stage last year, but will that be enough against their more acclaimed rivals?

Betting: FC Tokyo $1.22  - draw $6 - Chonburi FC $11

SYDNEY FC UNVEILS ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE VALUE DEAL FOR FANS

The A-League's 2014/15 runners up Sydney FC have launched a super value deal to attract fans to this year's Asian Champions League fixtures. The Sky Blues - grouped with glamour clubs Guangzhou Evergrande and Urawa Reds - are offering fans the opportunity to watch all three home games for a total of $45.

The $45 deal provides 'general admission' access for adults, while students and children can enter for less ($35 & $15 respectively). For those that prefer the premium seats (situated on the half-way line) you will pay a maximum of $75 to watch all three home fixtures.

Sydney FC's Allianz Stadium - seating plan.

It's a great initiative from Sydney FC as few A-League fans share the same enthusiasm East Asian Soccer bloggers do for the ACL. Though these clubs and players are the best in the Asian Football Confederation, none are household names, thus cut price deals are the order of the day. Hats off to the decision makers at the harbour city. 

Sydney's ACL campaign begins on February 24th, when they take on Urawa Reds in Japan. However, their first home game is against the mighty Guangzhou Evergrande on March 2nd. The full list of fixtures can be found below.

Meanwhile, the Sky Blues will have to compete without talented fullback Alex Gersbach. The 18 year old has left the A-League for Rosenborg in Norway.

Urawa Reds v Sydney FC (24th Feb)

Sydney FC v Guangzhou Evergrande (2nd March)

Play off winner v Sydney FC (16th March)

Sydney FC v Play off winner (5th April)

Guangzhou Evergrande v Sydney FC (20th April)

Sydney FC v Urawa Reds (4th May)