The draw for Asia's premier club competition pits Victory against Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (Korea Republic), Beijing Guoan (China) and Kawasaki Frontale (Japan) in Group E, while Adelaide United  wil face Shandong Luneng, [Cup winners (JPN)], Pohang Steelers in Group H.

Kawasaki qualified for the tournament after finishing second in the 2009 J. League season, while Seongnam are  Korea Republic's most successful club with a record seven league trophies to their name and were runners-up in the ACL 2004.

Beijing recently claimed their first Chinese Super League crown, but Football Operations Manager Gary Cole is confident Melbourne Victory will be competitive in their second ACL appearance.

"Having competed in the ACL once, we are all eagerly anticipating another opportunity and Seongnam, Beijing and Kawasaki will provide a great challenge come February next year," Cole said.

"The ACL is growing in prominence throughout Asia and Australia and it has become a very strong competition, but we believe we have a team that can really make an impact.

"The Hyundai A-League remains our key focus for the time being, but the ACL is certainly something that will provide a fantastic opportunity for our members and supporters to see Asia's best clubs in action."

Melbourne Victory were the first team to qualify for next year's tournament when they won the 2008/09 Premiership in January.

They last competed in the ACL in 2008, finishing second in Group G behind Japan's Gamba Osaka, which went on to win the tournament by defeating Adelaide 5-0 on aggregate in the final.

The competition's format has since changed, with the top two teams from each of the eight groups of four now progressing to the Round of 16.

Adelaide United will open their campaign with a blockbuster at Hindmarsh Stadium against Pohang on February 23/24 (dates to be confirmed by the Asian Football Confederation).

The Reds drew Pohang in their group in 2008 and stunned the Korean powerhouse with a 2-0 win in Korea in Match Day 1 before claiming a 1-0 victory in the return leg en route to becoming the first Australian club to progress to the competition's Knockout Stage.

China's Shandong Luneng are also no strangers to United, having been the Reds' first ever opponents in their debut AFC Champions League campaign in 2007. The Reds will host Shandong in the final round of the Group Stage, as the South Australian club looks to secure a place in the top two and progress through to the Round of 16.

Reds Coach Aurelio Vidmar admits it is a bonus heading to regions the club has been to and experienced before as United attempt to repeat the historic feats which saw Adelaide reach the Final in 2008.

"We're really happy that we know a lot about where we're going, Shandong and Pohang," said Vidmar. "Obviously the teams have changed since we last played them but we'll certainly know the surroundings and what to expect so that's a real positive.

"The AFC Champions League is a fantastic competition and I'm sure by the time February comes around everyone will be excited about getting ready to prepare for it's always nice to see what group you're in.

"Obviously it's a tough group but certainly we should draw some confidence knowing that we've been there before and done well."

With J-League giants Gamba Osaka, Kawasaki Frontale and the Kashima Antlers already securing places in the AFC Champions League 2010, they cannot fill the vacant Japanese spot left in Adelaide United's group if they happen to win the Emperor's Cup.

Eight teams still remain in contention for the Emperor's Cup so The Reds will have to wait until New Years Day for the final team in Group H to be finalised.

A complete schedule including match dates and venues for the ACL 2010 will be announced shortly.

The full draw is:-

West 

Group A
Al Ahli (KSA), Al Gharafa (QAT), Al Jazira (UAE), Esteghlal (IRN)

Group B
Zobahan (IRN), Al Ittihad (KSA), Bunyodkor (UZB), Play-off Winner (West)

Group C
Al Ain (UAE), Sepahan (IRN), Al Shabab (KSA), Pakhtakor (UZB)

Group D
Al Sadd (QAT), Al Ahli (UAE), Mes (IRN), Al Hilal (KSA)

East

Group E
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR), Melbourne Victory (AUS), Beijing Guoan (CHN), Kawasaki Frontale (JPN)

Group F
Kashima Antlers (JPN), Jeonbuk Motors (KOR), Persipura Jayapura (IDN), Changchun Yatai (CHN)

Group G
Henan Jianye (CHN), Gamba Osaka (JPN), Suwon Bluewings (KOR), Play-off East winners

Group H
Adelaide United (AUS), Shandong Luneng (CHN), Cup winners (JPN), Pohang Steelers (KOR)

Play-off draw

West
SF1 - Al Karamah (SYR) v Al Wahda (UAE)
SF2 - Churchill Brothers (IND) bye into play-off final
Final - Winner (Al Karamah v Al Wahda) v Churchill Brothers
West winner goes to ACL. The two losers go to AFC Cup.

East
SF1 - Armed Forces (SIN) v Sriwijaya (IDN)
SF2 - Da Nang (VIE) v Muangthong (THA)
Final - Winner SF1 v  Winner SF2
East winner goes to ACL. The three losers go to AFC Cup.