Two-time Cup and League double winners of Malta, Mellieha F.C., were slated to meet Grilled Birds in the first round of the Hattrick Masters. Though they are only in their sixth season since their inauguration, Mellieha F.C. have evolved into a very balanced side with no glaring weaknesses, expertly marshalled by their star Thai striker Itthipon Samsee.

At least one of the clubs will go one better in their second Masters campaign, since Mellieha F.C. likewise fell to Paraguay's champions Tricolor de Corazón in Feburary. "It had better be us," Grilled's Shen Kek-Tjiang said. "we've got home advantage again, and playing in the premier international club competition is not a given. It can literally be centerpiece of many players' careers."

S-League winners Winning Eleven came out of the hat early, as the fourth team to be precise. However, this meant that they will travel in June to Lithuania, to play against three-time Cup champions Straikeris. Straikeris went down to Canadian Cup winners Alderwood Chiefs in the second round last time round despite getting a bye, so it will again be a case of one participant being guaranteed a maiden Masters victory.

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