Machida Aim to Follow Gamba Osaka's Lead as They Host Cambodian Champions [Preview: ACL Two Group Stage MD1]

After Gamba Osaka lifted the trophy last season, FC Machida Zelvia will represent Japan in this season's AFC Champions League Two™.

Machida begin their Group Stage campaign on 17 September at home to Cambodian side PKR Svay Rieng FC. Unbeaten in the MEIJI YASUDA J1 LEAGUE with five wins and two draws from their opening seven matches and currently top of the table, how will Machida fare on the continental stage?

With a J1 fixture against Kashiwa Reysol coming just three days later, Machida could opt to rotate their squad. That would provide an ideal opportunity for players who have had limited playing time in the league to make their case.

PKR Svay Rieng, meanwhile, have won the Cambodian Premier League in each of the past three seasons. Their squad includes Tiago Alves, who previously played for Montedio Yamagata and Tokyo Verdy, as well as Japanese players. Having scored 83 goals in 30 domestic league matches last season, they pose a significant attacking threat. Machida will look to come out on top in the duels and take control of the game.