Both teams will head into the tie at the Jinan Olympic Sports Centre Stadium straight from pre-season but that will not hold either side back.
China PR side Shandong will fancy their chances after a thrilling group campaign which saw them finishing second behind Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos on goal difference.
Several players who helped them reach the Round of 16 are no longer with them – the most notable being Belgian star Marouane Fellaini who has retired – but Shandong were busy during the off season with Zeca from Pohang Steelers and Valeri Qazaishvili from Ulsan Hyundai signing for them.
Kawasaki Frontale were also busy during the transfer window, bringing on Brazilian trio Erison, Ze Ricardo and Patrick Verhon with right-back Sai van Wermeskerken signed from Eredivisie side NEC Nijmegen.
The Japanese side will be aiming to continue from where they left off in the group stage, having easily topped Group I with 16 points.
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