The Uzbeks were knocked out in the round of 16 of the 2010 edition of the tournament, a result that caused Victor Kumykov to resign as coach with former Dynamo Kiev boss Anatoly Demyanenko taking over from the Russian.

A raft of new faces has since joined the club including Uzbekistan national team goalkeeper Murod Zukhurov from Bunyodkor, former international defender Asror Alikulov from Shurtan, Turkmenistan midfielder Artur Gevorkyan from Pakhtakor and last year’s top scorer in the Uzbek league Nosir Otakuziev from Almalyk.

Of potential concern for Nasaf is that the players could be lacking in match fitness with their domestic season still to get under way, but Demyanenko has tried to combat this by holding a number of training camps in the build up to the AFC Cup.

“We have trained in the United Arab Emirates and Turkey,” said the Ukrainian.

“A huge volume of work has been done in this time.

“During the camps we have played some matches with other Asian teams. The main thing was that during the camps players have understood what is required from them. I am happy with the work that was done.

“I am happy with the physical condition of the players. We are about 85% ready for the season.”

Of some concern for Demyanenko, however, is the lack of information he has about Al Ansar, although he has watched a number of matches involving the Lebanese side on DVD.

“We practically have no information about our opponents,” he added.

“However, we have DVDs of Al Ansar matches.”

In contrast, Al Ansar coach Jamal Taha knows all about Nasaf and is expecting a very difficult test for his side.

“I consider our rivals as very tough opponents,” he said.

“Last year Nasaf played against Al Ahed (in the group stage), and I saw that match. Therefore I have the information on the style of Nasaf.

“I know that Nasaf have a new coach and there are new players, but we are ready for this game.”

Al Ansar head into the game brimming with confidence following a recent run of form in their domestic league and they are unbeaten in three.

Taha added: “We don't have injured players and our last few matches in the national championship have cheered up our players. So tomorrow it will be an interesting match.”