Three years ago, Guangzhou Evergrande were eliminated from the Group Stage of the 2016 AFC Champions League in stunning circumstance as the defending champions crashed out.

Kashima Antlers, winners of the 2018 title, are determined to avoid a similar fate.

They will need to ensure they get at least a point at home to Group E winners Shandong to avoid being overtaken by Gyeongnam FC or Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), who play in the other Wednesday tie.

Four knockout round berths remain up for grabs in the East Zone while just one spot is still available in the West. Ahead of the final set of group stagefixtures, the-AFC.com has chosen five things to look out for.

Since they first appeared in the AFC Champions League in their maiden tournament in 2016, Shanghai SIPG have reached at least the Round of 16 in all three Continental campaigns.

However, failure to win against unbeaten Group H winners Ulsan, coupled with a Kawasaki Frontale win away at Sydney FC, would see that proud record end. And so, China PR international Wang Shenchao is well aware of the significance of the tie at Shanghai Stadium.

Four places have already been decided as Shandong Luneng, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Ulsan Hyundai and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors all secured a spot in the knockout stages a fortnight ago.

But four tickets to the last 16 still remain up for grabs for the teams from the East Zone, with some exciting encounters set for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Japanese star Honda, 32, will don Victory colours for the last time when the club host Sanfrecce Hiroshima in Wednesday's 2019 AFC Champions League group stage finale.

One of the greatest Asian footballers of his generation, Honda made a significant impact on the A-League when he signed on for Victory in August 2018.

With a Round of 16 place already in the bag, Al Duhail opted to rest the likes of Medhi Benatia and Almoez Ali. They were also without the services of injured defender Bassam Al Rawi.

Al Sadd had already booked one ticket to the knock-out stage from Group D, leaving Al Ahli and Pakhtakor to battle for the second spot. With eight points to their name, the visitors needed just a draw from the Matchday Six fixture to advance, while for Al Ahli only a win would do.