PLUCKED from state league paddocks months ago, he’s made just two substitute appearances on the national stage yet unknown winger Jai Ingham is destined to get his first Melbourne Victory start in Wednesday’s continental tournament opener.

Ingham, signed from FA Cup fairytale side Hume City, looks set to be coach Kevin Muscat’s selection shock for the Asian Champions League clash against ambitious Chinese Super League club Shanghai SIPG.

With star attacker Gui Finkler unavailable, the other surprise will come with Archie Thompson set to replace the Brazilian in the hole behind striker Besart Berisha.

Meanwhile Shanghai coach Sven Goran Eriksson revealed that he is without influential captain Sun Xiang (hamstring).

It appears Victory will make two changes from the Adelaide United loss with Kosta Barbarouses and Ingham replacing ineligible Asian pair Finkler and Fahid Ben Khalfallah.

Despite having to axe two visa stars, Muscat said Victory had never been better placed to qualify for the knockout phase.

“We’re optimistic about that but we’ve got an opportunity to make the next wave of history because we haven’t got out of the group,’’ Muscat said.

“I believe in this campaign we’re in the best position to do that, albeit we’re up against some very good opposition.

“We’ve had a good period of time to prepare. Things haven’t gone how we would’ve liked domestically, this is a fresh challenge for us, and it’s vital to get off to a good start.’’

While Shanghai’s rivals have raided Europe, Eriksson has targeted Champions League winners from Guangzhou Evergrande, splurging $28.2m last month on Elkeson, who scored 59 goals in 72 games.

Elkeson followed former Evergrande teammates Dario Conca and injured defender Sun, who switched a year ago.

“Their experience is very important, they know what it’s all about, including playing games before our league season starts. We’re happy to have them,’’ Eriksson said.

“I’m sure we’ll play good football, if it’s enough to beat them (Victory) I’m not sure.’’

Muscat said despite Shanghai’s firepower, which includes Ghanaian scoring ace Asamoah Gyan, Argentine whiz Conca and Brazilian Elkeson, they won’t ditch their offensive mindset.

“Not defensive. Naturally we’ve got to respect the opposition,’’ he said.

“We’ve analysed (Shanghai) and they’ve got very good players and they’re a very good team so you make slight adjustments, but we’ve got to get back to what we do best because when we’re at that level that’s when we produce our best football and yield our best results.’’