I'd still like them to do well in this comp. But yes a close loss probably works best for us, so they have to go out and chase the game next week with there strongest team on the park. A 2-0 loss perhaps in this game would mean they couldn't really afford to rest players in the return fixture next week, before they play there final game against The Jets that weekend.
With min $USD750K at stake, any loss tonight makes next week's return AFC Cup 2nd leg the most important game of their season to date.
Remembering you get nothing for winning the ALM, and they have already qualified for this year's richer AFC Elite Champions League as Australia's representative, ie finishing 1st on the ALM ladder doesn't give them any more dosh.