JDT created history for Malaysian football when they became the first team from their country to qualify for the AFC Champions League in 2019, and they went on to stun holders Kashima Antlers by claiming a 1-0 win in Johor Bahru before ultimately exiting at the first hurdle.

A year later they returned and Safawi's penalty drew JDT level with Andres Iniesta's Vissel Kobe on the opening matchday before they went on to lose the tie. The subsequent 2-1 victory over Suwon Samsung Bluewings, however, brought with it plenty of optimism before COVID-19 eventually led to their withdrawal from the competition.

Darul Ta’zim and Nagoya Grampus will clash for the first time in the AFC Champions League with both sides aiming to kickstart their respective campaigns with a win at the Rajamangala Stadium.

Johor Darul Ta’zim will appear in the AFC Champions League group stage for the second time, having withdrawn from the 2020 edition after two matches due to the COVID-19 pandemic while Nagoya will be bidding for the title for a fourth time.

Pohang have history on their side having won the AFC Champions League in 2009, while Ratchaburi will be aiming to make a name for themselves in their debut season.

Pohang, who also won the Asian Club Championship in 1997 and 1998 and 2009, are making a return to the AFC Champions League for the first time since 2016.

And it's a group with plenty of pedigree as two-time AFC Champions League winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors of Korea Republic and 2008 champions Gamba Osaka of Japan lead the cast. The pair are joined by Thailand's Chiangrai United, who return for the second successive year, and Singaporean debutants Tampines Rovers.

With no shortage of attacking talent on display, we shine the spotlight on five frontmen who are on fire in their clubs’ domestic campaigns and could be set to bring those hot streaks onto the Asian stage in this year's continental club competition.

Three J1 League titles in the past four years and leading the way this time, Kawasaki will look to bring domestic dominance to the continent, while Daegu return for a second time, Beijing rely on youthful zest and United City are set to make their long-awaited debut in the AFC Champions League.

The 2021 edition sees Port make their long-awaited debut in the AFC Champions League while Kitchee return for the first time since 2018 boasting a continental superstar with a record in his sights.