Vingada braced for Bunyodkor battle

The Group B winners have home advantage in the one-off showdown for a place in the quarter-finals but Vingada is without several players which could force a change in formation.

Vingada is under pressure are falling out with captain Karim Bagheri, who has been dropped from the squad, while Senegalese striker Ibrahim Toure is also expected to be left out after turning up late for training.

Vingada will also be without suspended midfielder Mazyar Zareh and he has revealed this could force a change in tactics against the Uzbekistan champions.

"The possibility of the match going to a shoot-out is high and we're ready for this situation. Usually, after training, we practice penalties,” said the Portuguese coach.

"I don't speak about the players who aren't playing, just those who are with the team.

"Right now, I'm responsible for the club and my duty is to be with the team in the future.”

Bunyodkor, who currently lead the Uzbek League with a 100% record after 10 games, enjoyed a break last weekend after their meeting with second-placed Pakhtakor was postponed to aid their preparations and also due to Uzbekistan’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Bunyodkor has a favourable record against Iranian sides after beating Saipa 7-3 on aggregate in the quarter-finals of last year's competition while they were unbeaten against Sepahan en route to finishing runners-up in Group D this year but coach Amet Memet is not getting carried away.

"Because Iran has only one representative in this round, our task has been made more difficult because Piroozi will play with extra motivation against us," he said.

"But we're not worried about the presence of their fans because our players have experience of playing in front of huge crowds."

Bunyodkor, who reached the semi-finals of the competition last year, will be without the suspended duo of Brazilian midfielder Joao Victor and Uzbek defender Sakhob Juraev.

"Their absence won't affect us. We have excellent players who'll replace them," added Memet.

"Our players are ready technically and psychologically for Piroozi and in my opinion the fans will see a very attractive match."