A win will take Marinos through to the Round of 16 while Shandong only need a draw to confirm top spot and an automatic knockout stage berth. The match at the Yokohama International Stadium will be Kevin Muscat’s last as head coach of Marinos and the Australian will galvanise his players for one final push.

Having already defeated Shandong in the reverse fixture, Marinos will be determined to maintain their continental challenge after having relinquished their Japanese title to Vissel Kobe.It will be interesting to see Shandong’s gameplan, with the China PR side only needing a point to win the group.

They have impressed with the defeat to Marinos the only time the only blemish and with a place in the Round of 16 just a point away, Shandong will be fired up for the tie.