With Guangzhou, Jeonbuk and Urawa; Muang Thong was handed the toughest groups possible for a Champions League newbie. Now, on Wednesday the Thais are going to face one big favorite to win this competition.

The big aim of Muang Thong's next opponent is nothing less than winning the AFC Champions League trophy. To win the competition was already in the plans last season, however, at that time Guangzhou Evergrande failed at quarterfinal stage, at the very last minute against Al Itthihad.

Game three is up next for Buriram in Champions League Group E on Tuesday. As already last year, the trip leads the club to China. But this time the opponent is Jiangsu Sainty.

If one takes the present results of both opponents during this years Champions League, Buriram United might be slight favorite. Jiangsu with only one point out of two games, is sitting at the bottom of the table. While Buriram is having one more point on account and is on level with Vegalta from Japan. Coming away with at least one point could guarantee Buriram to stay in the hunt for the knock-out stage before the second half of the campaign is about to start.

Following a 1-1 draw in the opening match of the AFC Champions League two weeks ago against Vegalta Sendai, Buriram United seems to be ready to host K-League champion FC Seoul.

As a newbie to Asia's elite competition Buriram United provided for excitement after beating Guangzhou Evergrande and Kashiwa Reysol last year. At that time foreign players in the ranks of the Thais like Acheampong and Ohandza spread fear and dread. However, meantime both have left the club in the direction of Europe. And although there seem to be an endless coming and going of foreign players since then at the Isan side, president Newin Chidchob probably has found the right players to replace them.

A big stage is set for Muang Thong United this Tuesday, with the Thai Champion to take on Urawa Red Diamonds at the 2002 World Cup venue Saitama Stadium. 

The second game in the running Champions League season is the tensely awaited first big away appearance for Muang Thong within the scope of Asia's elite competition in general. Opponent: the Japanese top team Urawa Red Diamonds. The club from Saitama, a prefecture bordering to the north on Tokyo, founded as a company team of Mitsubishi, counts as on of to the oldest clubs in Japan and is one founding members of the J-League.

Buriram United will be off to a cold start this Wednesday when facing A-League club Brisbane Roar. It will be the first competitive match for the Thai side after the League Cup Final last year in November. And for both, this Champions League qualifier is about win or die with no second leg to be played.

Buriram United is to face Australian A-League side Brisbane Roar in an "all or nothing" tie this Wednesday. Hosting it, the Thai's are going to have the slight advantage in this crucial game. But after the initial draw, Brisbane Roar has been awarded with the right to play at home. The original appointment, on which all play-off ties should have and took place was set for the 9 February by the AFC. On this date, however, a match in the A-League stood on the plan and the league didn't look fancy to reschedule it. For different dates the Suncorp Stadium seemed not to be available.