Group C is among the most intriguing in the competition, with Iraq leading the way from Bahrain and five-time FIFA World Cup qualifiers the Islamic Republic of Iran sitting in third, with a crucial game in hand over the teams above them.

Here, the-AFC.com looks at the situation in the group as the five teams prepare to lock horns and pick out a key player to watch from each of the teams.

Syria currently lead the way with a hugely impressive five wins from five and they start as clear favourites to progress to the third round of qualifying, while the pressure is on hosts China PR who sit eight points back, level with the Philippines.

The Maldives still have aspirations of a top-two finish and Guam are seeking their first points of the campaign. Ahead of the opening game between China and Guam on Sunday, the-AFC.com takes a closer look at Group A.

It has been 18 long months since a ball was kicked in Group B – featuring, Australia, Kuwait, Jordan, Nepal and Chinese Taipei – and with a wait like that, one could be forgiven for needing a refresher course before the action resumes.

But fear not, the-AFC.com is here to bring you all need to know about the finely poised group, including a run-down on the venues and how the teams currently stand, plus we pick out a key man from each of the five sides.

With the group having passed the halfway point, Saudi Arabia hold the advantage at the top going into the three-week run-in on home soil, Uzbekistan and Singapore remain within touching distance of the hosts while Palestine are bottom and practically out of contention.

A late penalty from Ronald Ngah at King Abdullah II Stadium steered Al Salt to their first-ever AFC Cup victory as they revived their chances of advancing to the knockout stage in their maiden participation in the competition.

The Jordan club had opened their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Bahrain's Muharraq Club.

Osama Omari's first half strike gave Al Wahda the lead at Sheikh Ali Bin Mohammed Stadium before veteran Saudi striker Nasser Al Shamrani equalised for Al Hidd after the break, leaving the group finely poised after Al Wahda and Al Ahed of Lebanon had played to a 0-0 draw in their opening tie.

Substitute midfielder Yousef Jalboush scored with seven minutes left to play to steer Al Faisaly to their second consecutive victory following their 2-0 win against Palestine’s Al Ama’ari Center.