With Brazilian striker Emerson a doubt for Al Ain, Valdivia carries the hopes of the former champions, who are currently third in the UAE League.

“A full stadium gives us the confidence and power and we can show our commitment,” said Valdivia, pictured celebrating a goal for Chile in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Colombia.

“Last year we watched the other UAE clubs play in this event and we know that only the best in Asia are there.

“We have a squad that is filled experience, power and skill. We are also highly motivated to win all our home games and try and do well in the away games.”

With Emerson a doubt, head coach Toninho Cerezo has hinted Korea Republic midfielder Lee Ho could also play a leading role after impressing in the domestic league.

The Brazilian tactician, who joined Al Ain in December, led Al Shabab to the UAE League title in 2008, but they failed to advance past the group stage of last season’s AFC Champions League.

“I will be starting from scratch and know it is a hard competition but it is a very important one for us,” said the former Kashima Antlers coach.

“I am happy to start at home. We are aware that Pakhtakor is a strong team.”

Pakhtakor hold the distinction of being the only team to have qualified for all eight editions of the AFC Champions League and are looking to emulate last year’s campaign which yielded a quarter-final appearance following a disappointing run after reaching the semi-finals in 2003 and 2004.

Miodrag Radulovic’s side stepped up their preparation with a week in the UAE, while also playing four games against Turkish clubs with the Uzbek League yet to start.

“Last year we started our campaign against UAE’s Al Ahli and won 2-1 so I am hoping for a similar start,” said Radulovic.

“However, last year our league started first and then the ACL, but this year the ACL starts first.

“We will not be defensive because it is an away match for we believe that attack is the best form of defence.”