A Group Stage campaign of two halves sees AFC Champions League holders Kashima Antlers in a potential precarious situation when they host Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng at Kashima Soccer Stadium on Matchday Six.

The J.League club tallied two wins and a draw from the opening three matches in Group E, but back-to-back defeats to Gyeongnam FC and Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) now sees their Round of 16 destiny awaiting the final round of games.

A point or more in Ibaraki will, however, prove enough to join Shandong in the last 16, but defeat to their unbeaten guests would allow the victors of the tie between Gyeongnam and JDT to leapfrog them into second place.

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.

For Gyeongnam FC of Korea Republic and Malaysia's JDT it can be said that their maiden AFC Champions League campaigns have already been a successful experience.

The two sides have registered first ever wins in the Continental competition - both of which were over the defending champions - and have convincingly shown they have been able to make the step up to compete with Asia's elite.

On Matchday Six, they have the potential to make a good campaign a great one with a chance to grab a place in the knockout stage.

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 the sides currently locked on seven points apiece in Group G, Urawa sit just above Beijing by virtue of goal difference and would advance with a win or a goalless draw, after the first meeting between the pair ended 0-0 on Matchday Two.

But, in a group that looks likely to be decided by fine margins, the visitors would seal the second qualification berth – behind group winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors – should they manage a score draw or better in Japan.

A clash between two of the most in-form teams in East Asia is set to bring a worthy conclusion to Group H when K-League table-toppers Ulsan are hosted by China PR's second-placed side Shanghai SIPG.

The hosts are currently on a 10-match unbeaten run across all competitions, with their last defeat coming on April 5 against Chongqing Lifan. They have only suffered one loss on the Continent this campaign, too, although that was against Tuesday's opponents Ulsan.

Their target is clear: a win over their Korean visitors and they will guarantee qualification to the Round of 16. A draw or even a defeat would be enough should Kawasaki Frontale fail to win away at Sydney FC, but the team will surely wish to avoid such a nervous conclusion to the match at Shanghai Stadium.