Cerezo watched his side suffer a 2-0 defeat against Sepahan in their Group D opener in Iran last week as a goal in each half proved the difference at Foolad Shahr Stadium.

But after a rousing 6-0 win over bottom club Al Khaleej at the weekend, Cerezo will hope Al Shabab’s free-scoring form continues at Al Maktoum Stadium against a Bunyodkor side who opened their campaign with a 2-1 home win over Saudi Arabia’s Al Ettifaq.

“We needed something like this, a big result, before we face Bunyodkor,” said the former Brazil midfielder.

“It is not easy to win 6-0 against any team and this is the kind of performance I would expect before a big game. We did everything right in this game and I believe it is a good thing to get my team back on the ACL track.”

Although he is in confident mood, Cerezo is not getting carried away despite enjoying home advantage against last year’s semi-finalists.

“It is true we will play in familiar surroundings and weather conditions but what matters at the end is the players on the pitch,” he added.

“And I hope my players will rise to the occasion and get themselves back in the competition.”

New Bunyodkor coach Khikmat Irgashev will look to continue the work of predecessor Amet Memet, who stepped down at the weekend to concentrate on his work with the Uzbekistan national team.

Irgashev worked as Memet’s assistant so continuity should not pose a problem as the Uzbek champions look to Brazilian veteran Rivaldo, AFC Player of Year Server Djeparov and fellow Uzbekistan international Anvarjon Soliev, who struck twice in last week’s hard-fought win over Al Ettifaq, to ensure another strong showing on the continental stage.

“We have come here to win and we will play an attacking game,” said Irgashev.

“We have Rivaldo and he’s not what he was in his prime but still a player who can turn the game around. That doesn’t mean we are a one-man team. We have a strong squad and Rivaldo is the one with a big reputation.

“We haven’t seen much of Al Shabab but I believe they are a pretty good side. They will be very strong at home, particularly after losing the first game away. They need a good result as much as we do but our intentions are very clear.”