East Asia faces West Asia in the first of our Round of 16 match-ups as South China AA's former Hong Kong international Chan Siu Ki goes up against Lebanese star Mohamad Haidar from Safa SC.

Up next is Malaysian Safee Sali's stunning overhead kick for Johor Darul Ta'zim which goes up against an outrageous effort from Syrian Mohammad Al Wakid as he scored from inside his own half for Al Jaish.

JDT's rise has been remarkable. They recently won their seventh successive Malaysia Super League title and in the past two Continental campaigns have claimed scalps such as former Asian champions Kashima Antlers and Suwon Samsung Bluewings, the latter at their sparkling new 40,000-capacity Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.

However, it was five years ago today – October 31, 2015 – that they enjoyed what remains arguably the greatest night in their history as the Southern Tigers became the first team from Southeast Asia to taste AFC Cup glory after defeating Tajikistan's FC Istiklol 1-0 in Dushanbe to write their name into the history books.

Football in the South Asian nation has been part of the sporting calendar for well over a century, with the country being home to several of Asia's most historic clubs. In recent years, the emergence of the ISL has led to a number of sides from all across India springing into existence as football has moved into an exciting new era.

Taking into account history, fanbase and recent success, the-AFC.com has selected five teams as India's most popular clubs and asks you, the fans, to vote for your favouritie.

Over the past two weeks we have seen the goalkeeper and the back four in front of him decided, so now it's time to turn our attention to the midfield and find out who you consider the top trio.

So, here are the 10 players in contention for three places in the centre of the park. Review the candidates and then select your favourite for this all-star XI in the poll below.

AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh also shares his thoughts on the COVID-19 pandemic that has made people reflect on life’s core values and activities. And, as the game slowly recovers from lockdown and travel restrictions, competitions begin to restart, albeit in staccato fashion and sometimes in new formats.

Rewind the clock back eight years and re-watch the 2012 AFC Champions League title-winning campaign of Ulsan Hyundai and it's a certain blonde bombshell who stands out: Lee Keun-ho’s shocking platinum locks were always designed to attract attention.

It's as if the mercurial midfielder’s trickery and talent weren’t enough, the straw-coloured mop buzzing throughout the Continental competition certainly caught the eye.