Melbourne Victory are counting on some local hysteria over the homecoming of Japan's World Cup hero Keisuke Honda to help to kick-start their Asian Champions League (ACL) campaign against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
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Kevin Muscat's men flew out on Friday for Japan ahead of Tuesday night's clash with Sanfrecce at Hiroshima Athletic Stadium.
Honda, who has been a revelation for the Melbourne outfit on and off the park, looms as a key figure in the encounter.
A revered figure in his home country, Honda is often greeted by dozens of fans seeking his autograph after training sessions and he is expected to receive a rock star reception on his return to Japan.
"Its going to be massive ... I imagine even the arrival at the airport, there will be a lot of people there," teammate Kosta Barbarouses said.
"It's going to be something special ... he's massive over there, so I think we're going to get a big crowd and a good reception."
Victory stumbled at their first step into this year's competition, suffering a 3-1 defeat this week to Korean side Daegu FC at AAMI Park.
It continued a lean patch of form, with Muscat's side winless in five games.
"There were a lot of positives to take out of that game, so we just want to build on that and get better," Barbarouses said of the loss to Daegu.
"We need to execute and finish off our build-up play, which was really good.
"I think we can go over there and do some damage and really kick off our ACL campaign."
Australian Associated Press
