Defending AFC Champions League and Chinese Super League winners Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao FC (1-2-2, 5 points) is already eliminated in the tournament they had been winners in two of the last three years.

However, the team is looking to exit with a bang as they clash with Group H leaders Sydney FC (3-1-1, 10 points) at the Tianhe Stadium in China on May 3rd, Tuesday in the final group stage matchday of the competitions' 2016 edition.

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After winning the Chinese top flight and the Champions League last season, Guangzhou earned the right to directly qualify in the group stage of this year's tourney, but it was a struggle for the champions since the start of their title defense.

Sydney's goalless draw with Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds in the previous matchday sealed the Southern China Tigers' elimination even as Luiz Felipe Scolari's side had just won their first game a day earlier, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

Evergrande blanked the Pohang Steelers, 2-0, in the said match held at the Pohang Steel Yard on April 19th while Sydney and Urawa had drawn theirs on April 20th at the Sydney Football Stadium, via Soccerway.

Brazilian midfielder Ricardo Goulart scored the opening goal of the contest for Guangzhou at the 33rd minute while local winger Gao Lin doubled the lead two minutes into the second half.

After the last matchday, Sydney still leads the group with 10 points with Urawa in second place having 8 points. Guangzhou has 5 points and even if they win this match against Sydney, the Red Diamonds have the advantage in head-to-head matches.

The predicted result is a 2-1 decision for Guangzhou Evergrande.

Guangzhou Evergrande starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Zeng; Wang, Feng, Kim, Rong; Xu, Paulinho; Huang, Goulart, Yu; Gao

Sydney FC starting lineup (4-4-2 formation): Janjetovic; Calver, Ryall, Jurman, Grant; Naumoff, Dimitrijevic, O'Neill, Carney; Blackwood, Simon

TagsChina Football, AFC Champions League, 2016 AFC Champions League, Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao FC, Sydney FC