With key Reds defender Sasa Ognenovski out of the clash suspended, Daniel Mullen is likely to fill in across the backline most likely on the right.

In such a white hot atmosphere, the inclusion of such an inexperienced player would not have escaped wily Bunyodkor coach Zico's attention in the pre-game planning.

But Aloisi says the son of onetime Adelaide City great Joe Mullen has the smarts for the big occasion should he get the nod for tonight's first leg at sold out Hindmarsh stadium.

"He's good enough to do the job if he gets picked," Aloisi tells au.fourfourtwo.com.

"I'm pretty sure Zico's done his homework and he'll know that Daniel Mullen hasn't played too many games in the first game.

"But I don't think he'll chuck Rivaldo out there. I think Rivaldo is more suited to playing centrally."

Mullen has played two games for the Reds for a total of 94 minutes of senior football this season.

"I know Sasa has been very good for us but it just gives someone else an opportunity and we've got all the confidence in the world that whoever comes in can do a job for us," Reds coach Aurelio Vidmar said.

Aloisi stressed the importance of Ognenovski, who is likely to return for the second leg in Tashkent. "He's made a huge difference. And he's much quicker than people think."

In the meantime the focus is on Rivaldo even though Bunyodkor are likely to get plenty of joy going forward from star men Server Djeparov and Chilean striker Jose Luis Villeneuva.

"Rivaldo will probably feed off either one or two strikers," predicts Aloisi. "How Adelaide counter that we don't know. Do you man mark him? He's been man-marked by some of the best in the world.

"And if you do, what happens then? You leave someone else free… it's a dangerous game to play."

Nevertheless, Aloisi remains cautiously optimistic ahead of Adelaide big day in the continental sun.

"It's played over two legs so anything can happen and getting a good result in the first leg [for Bunyodkor] could lead to a false sense of security.

"And as Adelaide has shown, they can defend well and play on the counter well."