El Jaish boss Sabri Lamouchi is happy to concentrate on the AFC Champions League after seeing their domestic dream ended.
The ex-France midfielder’s side saw runaway Qatar Stars League leaders Al Rayyan clinch the title with five matches to spare.
In contrast, the Soldiers have a tight grip on Group D after a pair of opening triumphs against Al Ain and Lamouchi wants to utilise this momentum tonight against Uzbekistan’s Nasaf.
He said: “After Al Rayyan sealed the league title, our concentration now is on the AFC Champions League. We are in a good position in the competition, but that doesn’t mean we have secured our qualification.”
In East Asia, the Group F pacesetters meet in China as former Brazil coach Mano Menezes’ Shandong Luneng host FC Seoul.
Shandong sit second on goal difference because of the incredible scoring exploits of striker Adriano, who has struck seven times in two games for their South Korean opponents.
“Both teams have done pretty well and now are ranked at first and second,” said Menezes. “I think the game is going be a very tight one.
“We won our Chinese Super League game a few days ago, but had paid the price of having two injured players – Walter Montillo and Zhao Mingjian.”
Group H leaders Pohang Steelers are fully aware of the threat of Sydney FC, with coach Choi Jin-cheul expecting a tough examination.
He said: “Sydney are a good team. They are tough defensively and good going forward, so we have to be careful.”