AFC Champions League Preview

The two clubs will face off at the Hindmarsh Stadium on Tuesday night, four years since they last met in the 2008 final when Gamba was 5-0 aggregate winners.

The result was indicative of the dominance Japanese sides have enjoyed over the Australians throughout the competition, but there is enough to suggest things could be about to change.

Gamba are not in the best form domestically and, having replaced the long-standing Akira Nishino as manager, Jose Carlos Serrao is already under pressure in the job.

He oversaw an opening-game home loss to Pohang Steelers and has suffered back-to-back J-League defeats, meaning Adelaide, who will be coached by Luciano Trani in the absence of the not-qualified John Kosmina, head into the clash with confidence.

"If you're going to play Gamba, you have got to believe that you can win," Trani said.

"History probably doesn't suggest that but we believe we have got the right patterns of play to create those openings we created in the win against Bunyodkor (first ACL group game).

"If we can just maintain our discipline, I'm sure we can win Tuesday night."

Despite Gamba's struggles, though, Trani is sure they will still pose a considerable threat.

"They have had a few changes this season and obviously they have lost their last three games but they're a still a team that has got talented individuals," he added.

"They have been very consistent over the last six years in the ACL and domestic competitions ... they're a very established line-up."

Adelaide could be boosted by the return of vice-captain Cassio, who was rested in Saturday's 1-0 loss to the Central Coast Mariners following a knock to his calf the week before.

The other Group E contest puts Pohang up against Bunyodkor.

There will be a new man at the helm in Group C on Wednesday, with Paulo Silas set to take charge of Al Gharafa in its clash against Al Hilal.

Bruno Metsu was relieved of his duties last week following a 5-1 defeat to Al Rayyan, with the club quickly turning to former Brazil midfielder Silas.

Piroozi and Al Shabab Al Arabi play out the group's other fixture.

Central Coast Mariners head into its clash with Nagoya Grampus on Wednesday, with rumours circulating its coach Graham Arnold may be a target for Sydney FC.

The Mariners, though, are confident of keeping its top man.

"Arnie loves being here, and we love having him," said chief executive Peter Turnbull.

"'We've already started discussions to upgrade and extend his contract. We believe we've got the best coach in the A-League.

"We expect him to stay."

Group G's other game pairs up Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma and Tianjin Teda.

Brisbane Roar are in China to face Beijing Guoan, with a reunion with former striker Reinaldo on the cards.

Brisbane is trying to adapt to the colder-than-usual conditions in China, but captain Matt Smith claims Roar is only focussed on getting three points.

"It's definitely cold but that's part of playing in this league and it is part of this experience for us," he said.

"It's about just getting on with it and making sure that we get our heads right mentally for the game on Tuesday night.

"It's a big game for us and one we're certainly looking forward to."

Elsewhere in Group F, FC Tokyo are up against Ulsan Hyundai.

This week's remaining fixtures see Esteghlal and Nasaf and Al Jazira and Al Rayyan go against each other in Group A, while Pakhtakor and Baniyas and Al Arabi and Al Ittihad meet in Group B.

Al Nasr and Lekhwiya and Al Ahli and Foolad Sepahan play in Group C, and finally Kashiwa Reysol and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Guangzhou Evergrande and Burirmam United clash in Group H.