Spanish legend Andres Iniesta will be among the main draws when he takes to the field with Vissel Kobe against Johor Darul T'azim, while the ties in Groups E to H also feature two former champions and a debutant in what promises to be an exciting round of fixtures.

As ever, their will be plenty of new faces on display, with a FIFA World Cup winner, an Iranian debutant and a long-awaited return among the-AFC.com’s five things to look out for on Matchday One.

Kobe face Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim at Kobe Wing Stadium in the club’s first-ever appearance in the competition after Vissel won the Emperor’s Cup last year to qualify for the continental championship.

With former Barcelona stars such as Vermaelen and Andres Iniesta among their expensively assembled ranks, expectations on Kobe to make a significant impact on the tournament are high.

The reigning champions are in action in Dubai, while one debutant will make their AFC Champions League group stage bow on the same day as things kick-off in full speed in the West Zone.

Marinos make their return to the continental championship for the first time since 2014 when they face two-time champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in Group H, which also features Sydney FC and Shanghai SIPG, on Wednesday.

They do so off the back of a penalty shootout loss in the Japan Super Cup on Saturday against fellow AFC Champions League participants Vissel Kobe after the pair shared a 3-3 draw at Saitama Stadium.

It may have taken him until his 35th year, but veteran striker Bill had arguably the most successful season of his career in 2019 when he fired Chiangrai United past the usual heavyweights in Thailand to the club's first league championship.

Top scoring for the side with 14 goals, the Brazilian and his teammates edged defending champions Buriram United by virtue of a superior head-to-head record and with it earned a debut appearance in the AFC Champions League. The significance of which Bill is only too aware.

The 31-year-old spoke exclusively to the-AFC.com following the play-off tie at Seoul World Cup Stadium and he reflected on the match, the importance of playing in the AFC Champions League, his favourite memories from the competition so far, and his hopes for 2020.