Strong Al Hilal start as favourites in tonight's clash against Bani Yas

Abu Dhabi: Bani Yas face a difficult task in Saudi Arabia tonight, when they face Al Hilal at Riyadh's Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium in the first knockout round of the AFC Champions League.

And the competition debutants could have to do without the services of midfielders Francisco Yeste and Fawaz Awana because of injuries. Head coach Gabriel Calderon hopes they may be available at the last minute, but the chances are remote as Bani Yas will need all the players to be well prepared when they take on Saudi's most successful club.

Al Hilal qualified for this stage by winning Group D with 12 points, finishing ahead of Iranian side Piroozi Athletics, Al Gharafa from Qatar and Al Shabab from the UAE.

Bani Yas finished second in Group B behind Al Ittihad, another Saudi team, with 11 points from six matches.

The Abu Dhabi club boast a very solid defence, which conceded only two goals — the best defensive record of all 32 teams in the group stages.

Bani Yas have never conceded a goal at home in the AFC Champions League — a fact which made Calderon criticise the format of the round of 16, where the ties are straight knockout affairs with all group winners at home. "It is unfair to hold the competition in this round from one single match and on the opponents' grounds," he said. "The AFC should have held this stage on a home and away basis to secure fair chances for all the 16 teams.

"The other problem is the competition is played in two different seasons. Now we will play in the round of 16 at the end of the 2011-2012 season and will play the quarter-finals in the new 2012-2013 season, with many clubs making big changes in players and coaches which will affect the results and reduce the continuity and importance of the competition."

Amer Abdul Rahman, the Bani Yas midfielder, seemed more confident saying: "We are capable of beating Al Hilal on their own turf and, believe me, that will be the surprise of all Asia. We are determined to do that."

Fixtures

Tonight (10.10pm UAE)

• Al Hilal (KSA) vs Bani Yas (UAE)
• Al Ittihad (KSA) vs Persepolis (IRN)