The Uzbek side welcome their Saudi opponents to Pakhtakor Stadium buoyed by a 1-0 win at Al Ain in their opening game.

And Radulovic has called on his side to make the early breakthrough against Al Shabab in order to collect another three points in what he claims is one of Pakhtakor’s most crucial encounters.

“We have to score a fast goal,” he said.

“If we manage to do so, we will have a chance to win. Tomorrow (Wednesday) will be our most important match during the first half of the season.”

Radulovic has a fully-fit squad to choose from as he looks to buck a trend that has seen Pakhtakor win at home only once in four attempts against Saudi opposition in the AFC Champions League.

However, his preparations have been hindered by the fact the Uzbek League is yet to get under way and 13 of his players were away for a week after call-ups to the national and Olympic teams.

Nevertheless, Radulovic is confident Pakhtakor can still get the job done on Wednesday.

“We are playing at home and we will have support from our fans. We will play much better and I hope we will share our success with the supporters,” he added.

Al Shabab, meanwhile, have a lengthy injury list to deal with as they look to improve on the 1-1 home draw with Sepahan.

However, coach Jaime Pacheco believes his side were unlucky to be held by the Iranians while their opponents were fortunate to overcome Al Ain.

“We are missing six players who are not only key players for our club but also international players,” he said.

“Pakhtakor are strong team and probably a draw was a fair result for their first match in Al Ain but they were lucky to win.

“On the other hand, we were unlucky to draw with Sepahan. We were controlling the game but the Iranians managed to convert their only chance.”

Pacheco also admitted his side will have to size up their opponents early on before deciding the best way to earn three points.

“I could not tell you right now how we will play tomorrow (Wednesday),” he added.

“We will see how the first 15 minutes go. Pakhtakor are better prepared physically but we are strong technically.”