Lippi ban and red cards loosen Guangzhou's grip

Guangzhou Evergrande faces a serious test of its resolve this week after a triple player suspension and touchline ban for coach Marcello Lippi loosened its grip on the AFC Champions League title.

A 1-0 quarterfinal first-leg deficit against Western Sydney Wanderers does not seem insurmountable at Guangzhou's Tianhe Stadium but disciplinary woes have complicated the Chinese champion's task on Wednesday.

Last week's red cards to Zhang Linpeng and Gao Lin have robbed Guangzhou of two of its most dependable players while Lippi earned a touchline ban for storming onto the pitch in protest at the late dismissals.