AFC Champions League
Eight former champions are among the 40 teams aiming to lift the coveted trophy and having looked at the West Zone cast, join the-AFC.com as we take a look at what the East Zone holds in store ahead of the action kicking off on September 18.
Group F
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC (KOR), Bangkok United (THA), Lion City Sailors (SGP), Kitchee SC (HKG)
Two-time AC Champions League winners and 2022 semi-finalists Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors headline Group A but will enter the 2023/24 season in troubled form domestically.
They trail leaders Ulsan Hyundai by a massive 19 points and need a successful AFC Champions League campaign to salvage their season.
It won't be easy though with Thailand's Bangkok United, Lion City Sailors of Singapore and Hong Kong's Kitchee SC - who created history last season by advancing to the Round of 16 - highly capable of thwarting Jeonbuk.
Group G
Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN), Shandong Taishan FC (CHN), Kaya FC-Iloilo (PHI), Incheon United FC (KOR)
Yokohama F. Marinos will be the favourites for top spot but the Japanese champions will be cautious after suffering a Round of 16 exit against domestic rivals Vissel Kobe last season.
Kevin Muscat's side, however, are well placed to defend their J1 League title and will enter the AFC Champions League 2023/24 brimming with confidence.
Standing in their way are Shandong Taishan FC - who are still in the race for the Chinese Super League title, Philippines champions Kaya FC-Iloilo and debutants Incheon United FC. All three will be dangerous opposition.
Group H
Buriram United (THA), Ventforet Kofu (JPN), Melbourne City FC (AUS), Zhejiang FC (CHN)
This looks set to be an open affair with all four teams fancying their chances of advancing to the Round of 16.
Defending champions Buriram United have kicked off their 2023/24 Thai League 1 season in fine form while J League 2 side Ventforet Kofu will aim to upstage their high profile opposition after stunningly winning the 2022 Emperor's Cup.
Melbourne City FC will be determined to soar as well, being the only Australian side in this season's AFC Champions League.
Group I
Ulsan Hyundai FC (KOR), Kawasaki Frontale (JPN), Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS), BG Pathum United (THA)
It will be a meeting of familiar foes with Korea Republic's Ulsan Hyundai FC, Kawasaki Frontale of Japan and Malaysia's Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) having met at the same stage last season.
Malaysian champions JDT emerged top as they sealed a historic first appearance in the Round of 16 with both two-time AFC Champions League winners Ulsan and Kawasaki eliminated.
BG Pathum United, meanwhile, not only topped their group but advanced as far as the quarter-finals, meaning Group I is set to see sizzling matches.
Group J
Wuhan Three Towns FC (CHN), Pohang Steelers (KOR), Hanoi FC (VIE), Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN)
Defending champions Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan had to navigate through the playoffs to book their place but will start as favourites as they seek a record-extending fourth AFC Champions League title.
Korea Republic's Pohang Steelers - two-time Asian champions and runners-up in 2021 - are back in the competition after missing out on the last edition.
China PR's Wuhan Three Towns FC will be aiming for an extended run with their domestic league hopes all but dashed while Hanoi FC will look to the AFC Champions League as a balm after losing their V.League 1 title to Cong An Hanoi on goal difference.
