Kashima and Kobe Face Korea Republic Sides After Winning Starts; Gamba Osaka Host Thai Champions [Preview: ACL Elite League Stage MD3]

Matchday 3 of the AFC Champions League Elite League Stage will be played on 27 and 28 October.

Leaders Kashima host FC Pohang Steelers of Korea Republic after winning their opening two matches. They edged Cong An Ha Noi FC of Vietnam 1-0 last time out, with Gaku Shibasaki helping to force the decisive own goal. He will again be a key figure in Kashima's attack.

Pohang, meanwhile, have struggled so far, losing both matches while scoring just once and conceding five goals. They have plenty to improve at both ends of the pitch, with former Tosu midfielder Kento Nishiya likely to play an important role.

Gamba Osaka also have two wins from two and welcome Thai champions Buriram United. They beat Newcastle Jets FC of Australia 3-1 last time out, and Takashi Usami, who has been finding his form, will be looking to make another impact.

Buriram have yet to win, with one draw and one defeat. They boast several talented overseas players, and keeping them quiet will be key for Gamba Osaka.

Kobe travel to face Daejeon Hana Citizen FC of Korea Republic, aiming for a third straight win. They beat fellow Korea Republic side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC 2-0 last time out and will be hoping to carry that form into this match.

Daejeon opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Kyoto. Victor Bobsin scored the winner in that match and will be a player for Kobe to watch.

Kyoto welcome Newcastle Jets FC after claiming their first-ever victory in Asian competition with a win over Thailand's Ratchaburi FC. Temma Matsuda struck the winner and will be hoping to make another decisive contribution.

Newcastle have lost both their opening matches against Kashima and Gamba Osaka, conceding 10 goals to leave them bottom of the table. They are also winless in the early stages of their domestic league season. With the visitors struggling defensively, Kyoto will be looking to make the most of their chances and add to their goal tally.

Kashiwa travel to Thailand to face Ratchaburi FC after securing their first win of the competition with a convincing 5-1 victory over Port FC. They also beat Kashima in the league over the weekend and appear to be finding their form. Hinata Yamauchi has been in fine form and will again be one of their main attacking threats.

Ratchaburi suffered their second straight defeat against Kyoto last time out. Kashiwa will look to impose their possession-based style while keeping a close eye on Njiva Rakotoharimalala, who scored a hat-trick on Matchday 1.