Feb 09 (V7N) — Former England assistant coach Steve Holland is set to take charge of Yokohama F. Marinos for the first time this week, with a golden opportunity to guide last season’s finalists into the AFC Champions League Elite knockout stage.

With just two games left in the East Zone's group stage, 11 of 12 teams are still battling for eight available spots in the round of 16, setting up a high-stakes round of fixtures on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Yokohama sit atop the standings with 13 points from six matches, level with South Korea’s Gwangju and Japanese champions Vissel Kobe, but ahead on goal difference.

Holland’s side will secure a spot in the next round with a draw at home against Shanghai Shenhua on Wednesday.

"The club has done a good job retaining key players from last season, so we have good stability," said Holland, who steps into his first managerial role since Gareth Southgate’s England tenure ended after Euro 2024.

Yokohama reached the final last year under Harry Kewell, only to lose to Al Ain over two legs. Now, they aim to go one step further.

The two other leaders also face Chinese opposition:

Vissel Kobe hosts Shanghai Port on Tuesday

Gwangju travels to face Shandong Taishan on Tuesday

Meanwhile, Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale, trailing the top three by just one point, could also book their place in the knockouts with a win at South Korea’s Pohang Steelers.

But the real tension lies in the race for the final three spots, where Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim, Shanghai Port, and Thailand’s Buriram United all sit on eight points.

Johor faces a crucial away clash against already-eliminated Central Coast Mariners in Australia, while Buriram hosts Ulsan Hyundai, who must win both of their remaining matches to have any hope of progressing.

The West Zone has already seen Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr and fellow Saudi giants Al Ahli and Al Hilal book their spots in the last 16.

After this week’s games, the final group stage matches will take place next week. The round of 16 kicks off in March, while Saudi Arabia will host the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final from April 25 to May 4.