AGMK conquered the Tashkent giants in last year’s decider but, with Pakhtakor 21 points clear on top of the league, unbeaten domestically all season and having wrapped up the league title weeks ago, Kasimov’s side are considered heavy outsiders for the clash at Lokomotiv Stadium.

Pakhtakor’s runaway success means their place in the 2020 AFC Champions League is already secure, but AGMK hasvethe chance to join them should they repeat last year’s success and Kasimov believes his side are capable of beating the champions over 90 minutes.

Also this week, the return of league action in Tajikistan, Islamic Republic and Turkmenistan saw heavyweight clubs in all three countries produce important wins.

Join the-AFC.com as we cover all the key results from Andijan to Ashgabat and beyond.

The Central Asians avoided a potential banana-skin at the National Stadium, with Ikhsan Fandi Ahmad’s header bringing the hosts level at 1-1 on the stroke of half-time, before a second half brace from star striker Eldor Shomurodov sealed three important points.

The win, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s scoreless draw in Palestine, helped the White Wolves reach the top of Group D for the first time - a position they will have the opportunity to strengthen further when they meet the Saudis at home on Matchday Five next month.

The Tashkent-based club’s record-extending 12th domestic title comes following 12 consecutive league wins and secures direct qualification for the group stage of the 2020 AFC Champions League.

The runaway success also ends the championship streak of city rivals PFC Lokomotiv, who won three successive titles from 2016 to 2018.

Elsewhere, Indonesia league leaders Bali United suffered a heavy defeat to Borneo and Philippines champions Ceres Negros ended their campaign unbeaten.

Although the majority of leagues across ASEAN are reaching their climax or have already finished, meanwhile, Australia’s A-League is in its early stages and it's the Sydney clubs that lead the way.

Following the international break, the domestic action in East Asia returned with a bang as the leagues in Japan, Korea Republic and China PR enter the business end of season, while the Hong Kong and Mongolia Premier Leagues also saw some intriguing ties.

Al Sadd, who face Al Hilal in Tuesday's Continental semi-final, were not in action as their Qatar Stars League tie was postponed, UAE Pro League defending champions Sharjah continued their perfect record and Kuwait SC maintained their unbeaten run in Kuwait.

Join the-AFC.com reviews the domestic action in West Asia.