"In order to maintain our challenge, we are aiming only for a victory," said the ex-Uzbekistan national coach.

"We understand that it will be difficult for us to get a result in Jordan but it is in tough games like this when a team’s character comes out."

Pakhtakor beat Arbil 2-0 two weeks ago thanks to second-half goals from Ilhomjon Suyunov and Alexander Geynrikh and Haydarov knows that they need to complete a double over Group D’s bottom side to continue their pursuit of Al Qadsia, who hold a three-point lead at the top of the table.

The eight-time Uzbekistan league champions welcome back defender Kamoliddin Tadzhiev from suspension but winger Ildar Magdeev has not made the trip west due to injury.

Meanwhile, doubt was cast over the inclusion of Akmal Holmatov after there emerged confusion over the attacking midfielder’s registration with the AFC, given that he is listed as an Uzbek national for Pakhtakor and as a Tajikistan national when represents the country of his birth at international level.

But Pakhtakor insist that they have not contravened tournament rules with the registration of Holmatov and the player remains available for selection against Arbil, who warmed-up for their fourth AFC Champions League match with a 3-2 friendly win over Jordanian outfit Al Ahli.

However, the Iraqis will be without the suspended duo of defender Salam Shaker and midfielder Usama Ali for an encounter they must win to maintain hopes of a place in the knockout stage.

"The game on Wednesday is crucial," said coach Akram Salman.

"We are looking for a win as nothing but a win will get us back into contention in our group.

"We were close to getting a draw in Tashkent but individual mistakes by players cost us the game although we have tried to correct the mistakes from our previous matches.

"We have also been working hard on our attacking play so that we convert the chances that we will get in the game.

"Our situation is critical and we cannot afford another defeat."