After two Group E matches, the Chinese side are tied for top spot with Adelaide United on four points.

But Gao insists they cannot slip up if they hope to advance, with Adelaide facing a winnable game against group minnows Binh Duong on the same day.

"We must take advantage of playing at home and beat our group rivals," said Gao.

"Our qualification hopes will be much brighter if we can win the match and get all three points.

"We will then hold a good advantage over Adelaide because we will still have a home game against them to come."

Changchun will be without defender Wang Wanpeng and midfielder Jiang Peng through injury while midfielder Yan Feng is suspended.

Pohang need a win after their 2-0 defeat to Adelaide in their opening game.

They recovered to beat Binh Duong 4-1 in their last match, but the Koreans need more points on the board to reach the knockout stage.

"We don't care about the score - we just want three points," said coach Sergio Farias.

South Korea midfielder Park Won-jae is back from suspension but Hwang Ji-soo is suspended.

Adelaide coach Aurelio Vidmar is targeting three points from Wednesday's other Group E fixture at Binh Duong.

Binh Duong have yet to open their account in the competition and Vidmar is confident his side can defeat the V-League champions.

"The hot weather in Vietnam does not worry me as it is the same in Australia," said Vidmar.

"This is the second time we have played against a Vietnam club and the last time we played quite well.

"I believe that Adelaide have a good chance as long as we play our football and always keep focused on the game right from the start."

Adelaide will be without striker Bruce Djite, who has a hamstring injury, while Robert Cornthwaite is suspended.

Binh Duong coach Le Thuy Hai is bullish over his side's chances, insisting the 4-1 scoreline against Pohang masked a decent performance.

"We played well in the match against Pohang Steelers," said the Binh Duong coach.

"Now, we will stick to the same way when hosting Adelaide United. Nothing changes except for the mentality.

"My players have earned back their confidence and spark."