The clash in Korea Republic will see the current leaders of the domestic championships in both East Asian nations face off in what should be a mouth-watering tie given both sides are currently on 100 percent records following the group stage phase of the 2021 AFC Champions League.

Two-time winners Ulsan will be looking to return to the quarter-finals for the fourth time, the same goal for Kawasaki who previously featured in the last eight in the 2007, 2009 and 2017 editions.

The game sees the two sides face off for the first time in their history with Japan’s Nagoya participating in the AFC Champions League for the fourth time and Korea Republic’s Daegu making just their second appearance.

After a nine-year hiatus on the continent, J1 League side Nagoya are looking to go beyond the last 16 for just the second time, while K League 1 club Daegu are hoping to emulate a number of illustrious Korean teams by going deep into the tournament.

On the back of an incredible 15-game winning run, defending champions Ulsan Hyundai are among the contenders, as are the 2020 runners-up Persepolis FC and former winners Al Hilal SFC, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Pohang Steelers, while newcomers FC Istiklol and BG Pathum United enter the knockout rounds in their debut campaigns.

As the big kick-off fast approaches, the-AFC.com has selected five things to look out for in the days ahead.

With a few weeks and a transfer window sitting between the group stage and the round of 16, a number of players have come in to supplement the already star-studded sides vying for a place in the quarter-final stage.

With the sides boasting star-studded quality in defence and attack, as well as a number of exciting young prospects, we shine the spotlight on the potential game-changers ahead of the highly anticipated knockout rounds.

With the sides boasting star-studded quality in defence and attack, as well as a number of exciting young prospects, we shine the spotlight on the potential game-changers ahead of the highly anticipated knockout rounds.

Below are the 11 players and head coach as voted by the public on the-AFC.com, while an XI based on statistics is included as a comparison.