United Arab Emirates and Australia will battle to take one step closer to a place in the World Cup 2022 on Tuesday, when they square off in Doha.
The two nations each finished third in their groups in Asian Qualifying, meaning they will have to fight for a place in the inter-confederation playoff against Peru.
Match preview
After losing two of their first four games in the second round of Asian World Cup Qualifying, United Arab Emirates did not look in a good position, but they went on to win the final six to comfortably progress.
Finding themselves in a tough group featuring the likes of Iran, South Korea and Iraq, Al Abyad again had a tough start to the third round, managing to pick up just three points from the first five matches.
With the chance of a top-two finish all but gone at that stage, they were at least able to put themselves in contention for the playoff place with back-to-back wins over Lebanon and Syria, before suffering consecutive defeats at the hands of Iran and Iraq.
A crucial surprise win over South Korea, under the new management of Rodolfo Arruabarrena, in the final fixture then sealed a third-placed finish and allowed them a final chance to qualify for this year's global tournament, should they be able to triumph on Tuesday and in the inter-confederation playoff.
Now on the back of a 1-1 draw in a friendly against Gambia, in which Ali Mabkhout put them ahead from the penalty spot, Al Abyad will look to go within one game of reaching their second-ever World Cup, but they face a tough test against a dangerous Australia side.
Graham Arnold's men cruised through the second round of qualifying with a perfect record from their eight games, scoring 25 times and conceding just twice in the process, before battling in the third round for a top-three finish against Saudi Arabi, Japan and Oman.
They made a strong start with three straight victories to quickly top the group but were then unable to win any of their next three games, leaving their place in doubt.
The Socceroos then bounced back with a 4-0 thrashing of Vietnam, but a draw with Oman and a defeat to Japan left them unable to catch the latter and qualify automatically.
Arnold's men did, however, do enough to seal a third-placed finish before the final day, making a loss to Saudi Arabia inconsequential, before they returned to action in a friendly against Jordan at the beginning of June.
Now on the back of a 2-1 win in that game, thanks to goals from Bailey Wright and Awer Mabil, the Socceroos will look to pick up a crucial win to advance to next Monday's inter-confederation match.
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Team News
United Arab Emirates' attack will be led by Ali Mabkhout, who tops the nation's all-time scoring charts with 80 goals in 104 caps.
Walid Abbas and Omar Abdulrahman also offer vital experience in defence and midfield respectively and should both feature from the outset.
Goalkeeper Eisa Khalid has been preferred over 69-capped Ali Khasif recently, and he should again be given the nod between the sticks.
Australia's lineup for the friendly against Jordan should be a good indication for how they will look on Tuesday, as Arnold looked to ensure his key men were ready for the playoff.
In the absence of Tom Rogic, Aaron Mooy and Kenny Dougall should operate in midfield, with Middlesbrough's Riley McGree playing slightly further forward, while Bailey Wright could again partner Kye Rowles, who earned an international debut last time out, at the heart of the back line.
The lone striker spot is up for contention, with Jamie MacLaren, who has netted eight goals in 23 international caps, vying to displace Nicholas D'Agostino.
United Arab Emirates possible starting lineup:
Eisa; Hussain, Al Hammadi, Al-Ahbabi, Abbas; Hassan, Ramadan, Abdulrahman; Canedo, Mabkhout, Al-Maazmi
Australia possible starting lineup:
Ryan; Karacic, Rowles, Wright, Davidson; Dougall, Mooy; Mabil, McGree, Hrustic; MacLaren
We say: United Arab Emirates 1-2 Australia
While we predict a tight encounter in Doha, Australia boast the stronger of the two squads, and we see them triumphing on Tuesday.
The Socceroos have shown themselves to be a force in Asian qualification when on form, and they have the quality to advance to the final stage with a hard-fought win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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