The Sky Blues have been drawn against Japanese runners-up Kashima Antlers and Chinese FA Cup winners Shanghai Shenhua, formerly home to Tim Cahill.

Sydney will also meet a play-off qualifier, which could be Suwon Bluewings, currently home to Socceroo and ex-Sky Blues defender Matt Jurman.

Shenhua currently boast the likes of Tevez along with ex-Newcastle and Inter Milan striker Obafemi Martins and Colombia internationals Fredy Guarin and Giovanni Moreno.

Kashima were 2016 FIFA Club World Cup runners-up and are eight-time Japanese champions, while Suwon are two-time ACL winners.

“It’s a great draw for Sydney FC and it’s fantastic to be once again competing against the best of Asian football, which is where this club belongs,” Arnold said.

“Shanghai Shenhua are a massive club and our boys will enjoy testing themselves against a side who can attract the likes of Carlos Tevez and Obafemi Martins to their team.

“It will be great for the fans to welcome Matt Jurman back home if we do end up against Suwon and we look forward to our games against Kashima Antlers.”

The 2018 ACL group stage commences on February 12.