1) The Wanderers still have what it takes
Western Sydney Wanderers' loss to Guangzhou on Matchday 2 was not an unexpected one but a side that has been goal-shy in the domestic competition showed yet again it can create and take chances at this level.
Whether it’s the slower pace or the experience garnered from last year’s title run, the team from the west of Sydney looks a vastly different beast in Asia.
With back-to-back matches coming up against FC Seoul – the club it is seemingly fighting with for second spot with – it's an ideal chance for the Wanderers to book their ticket to the knockout stage.
2) The Foo Fighters are more popular than Roar
A wonderful victory in Japan catapulted Brisbane Roar into the mix to progress from Group G but the poorly-organised shift from its home ground has sold its fans short.
Adam Sarota made his feelings clear before quickly retracting them but with the American rock band drawing 50,000 to Suncorp Stadium on the same night Roar got 10 times less than that on the Gold Coast, maybe Frans Thijjsen could sign Dave Grohl as his third choice goalkeeper.
3) Japanese clubs continue to struggle
Since the success of Urawa Red Diamonds and Gamba Osaka more than five years ago, Japanese clubs have continued to struggle in Asia's top club competition.
Of the eight matches played by the four J.League representatives this season (Gamba, Urawa, Kashima Antlers and Kashiwa Reysol) they’ve chalked up six losses, a draw and just the solitary win.
There are certain reasons to explain this slump – notably the fact the teams are still out of season – but for a league that prides itself as the being the best in Asia this return is just not good enough.
The ACL experts' round-up with Scott and Alan Mtashar
4) Thai football is on the rise
That the best of the Japanese sides thus far – Reysol – was pushed all the way in qualifying by Chonburi says a lot about the growing strength of Thai football.
Last year’s domestic champion, Buriram, has made a flying start by defeating Seongnam at home and then Guangzhou R&F on the road to sit alone at the top of Group F.
The AFC tweaked qualification to try and get a greater range of 'second-tier' nations to reach the main stage, but with the rise of Thai football maybe the time has come to reduce the automatic slots of other 'top-tier' nations.
5) Midweek matches no longer the right way
Bigwigs at the AFC – those few that actually care – are always bemused by the low turnouts in certain countries for the flagship club tournament.
Here's an idea – play the ACL fixtures on a Friday in the Middle East and Saturdays in the East and watch the competition boom in terms of audience numbers, TV reach and overall interest.
Play the domestic 'catch-up'’ fixtures midweek and focus on the more prestigious tournament in a better timeslot.
