The Western Sydney Wanderers could be welcoming some star-studded giants to Campbelltown Stadium following the 2017 AFC Champions League draw in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday night.
The Wanderers were drawn in Group F alongside Korean champions FC Seoul, as well as a soon-to-be decided Japanese side and a yet-to-be-determined play-off winner.
Members can purchase pre-sale tickets to all three group stage home games here, with general public able to purchase tickets from 20 December.
Of those sides in contention for the play-off spot, Chinese powerhouse Shanghai SIPG looms large as the likely opponent.
One of China’s wealthiest sides, SIPG are coached by former Chelsea and Tottenham boss André Villas-Boas and boast a roster of riches, including Brazilian international and $80 million dollar record signing Hulk, as well as former Guangzhou Evergrande stalwart Elkeson.
Rumours also suggest that current Chelsea superstar Oscar could well be joining the Chinese outfit in January in an incredible $100 million dollar deal.
Shangai are no guarantee to qualify though and will need to fend off the winner between Thai side Sukhotahi FC and Burmese team Yadanarbon FC.
The identity of the Japanese club in Group F will depend on the winner of the 2016 Emperor’s Cup—Japan’s version of the Westfield FFA Cup.
2008 Champions League winners Gamba Osaka and Tony Popovic’s former club Sanfreece Hiroshima are among the contenders, while one of the continent’s most famous clubs, Urawa Red Diamonds, could also claim the spot in one of several possible scenarios.
The only certain opponent that the Wanderers will be facing in Group F is Korean champions FC Seoul.
The two sides are no strangers to one another, having squared-off in both the 2014 and 2015 Champions League tournaments.
Three of the four meetings ended in draws, with the Wanderers grabbing the sole win with a 2-0 victory in the second leg of the 2014 semi-final.
Yet Seoul promise to provide an even sterner test this time, having recently made the last four of the 2016 Champions League in impressive fashion, only to lose to eventual winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the final.
Members can secure tickets to all three group stage home matches here. General public will able to purchase tickets from 20 December.
2017 AFC Champions League group stage fixtures
Tuesday 21 February 2017
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Japan 2nd Club
Tuesday 28 February 2017
Winner of play-off 3 vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Wednesday 15 March 2017
FC Seoul vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Tuesday 11 April 2017
Western Sydney Wanderers vs FC Seoul
Wednesday 26 April 2017
Japan 2nd Club vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Wednesday 10 May 2017
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Winner of play-off 3
