Seoul will be travelling to Jeddah for the first leg on September 14 before hosting the two-time champions on September 27.

Representing Uzbek champions Bunyodkor in the ACL, the Uzbekistan captain played four games against Al Ittihad in three years. Last year Bunyodkor defeated Al Ittihad 3-0 at home before being held 1-1 in Jeddah.

Three years ago, Bunyodkor lost 1-0 away but returned stronger at home to win 2-0.

“Almost every year Bunyodkor played against Al Ittihad and qualified from the group. They are a strong team and it will be very difficult to beat them,” Djeparov told the-afc.com.

Despite success in the ACL, FC Seoul are yet to find their form in the domestic league. Their poor domestic performance forced coach Hwangbo Kwan out and the team is now under caretaker coach Choi Yong-soo.

"I think our first and foremost challenge is associated with changes in the team and its coaching staff.

”FC Seoul have traditionally set itself ambitious targets and we will strive to achieve those targets.”