Urawa Red Diamonds vs Sydney FC predictions

The Sky Blues have struggled for form in recent weeks to slip to sixth on the A-League ladder, but last year's beaten Grand Finalists do come into the AFC Champions League opener on the back of a 1-1 draw in the Sydney derby on Saturday night.

Sydney face a Red Diamonds side yet to start their J-League campaign - it gets underway next week - and coach Graham Arnold will no doubt be hoping to catch their opponents cold in Saitama.

Without Matt Simon, Brandon O'Neill and David Carney after the trio were left in Australia due to fitness concerns, Arnold is set to opt for a new formation to counter Urawa's quick and direct tactics.

In Simon's absence, Arnold must choose between Shane Smeltz, Alex Brosque and George Blackwood to lead the line in attack.