Melbourne Victory get the chance to shrug off their indifferent A-League form when they face Thai champions Chiangrai United in the opening game of the Asian Champions League at AAMI Park on Tuesday night – a fixture coach Carlos Salvachua says is vital to win if Victory are to create a platform for further progress in the competition.

Salvachua's side has reserved its best form for the ACL, dismissing Bali United easily in the first playoff and then producing a stunning upset in Japan to knock out Kashima Antlers in the final qualifying game.

Melbourne Victory upset Kashima in Japan to progress to the group stages of the Champions League. Credit:Getty Images

Victory will be without Robbie Kruse, who is out for up to two months with a fresh hamstring injury, and club captain Leigh Broxham, who has a calf injury, but the rest of the squad is available.

"We didn't concede a goal against Kashima and Bali, it's really important for us ... it's a different competition," said Salvachua, who knows that whatever fitness edge Victory have could be critical.