Under head coach Cosmin Olaroiu, UAE have regained some of their spark with only one defeat in five competitive matches, that being the 2-1 loss to Qatar which secured the latter’s spot at the global showpiece.

The Romanian tactician will be counting on the home fans at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium to spur his side on as UAE seek a return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1990, which was their only appearance at the Finals.

The absence of the injured Fabio Lima will be keenly felt but in Ali Saleh, Sultan Adil and Caio Lucas, Olaroiu has options that could contribute in giving UAE an advantage to take into the second leg.

Injuries have also Graham Arnold of his best Iraq squad with Ibrahim Bayesh and Youssef Amyn unavailable as the entire nation hopes to end a 40-year wait to return to the Finals, having made the sole appearance in Mexico 1986

Arnold, who guided Australia to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, however, can take confidence with the return of key attackers Aymen Hussein and Ali Alhammadi.

"Our primary goal is to secure Iraq's qualification for the World Cup, which is the most important achievement for us,” said Arnold.

"I am well aware that the fans and the media were disappointed after the Saudi Arabia match, but I want to emphasise that I am proud of the players, their performance, discipline, and the work they have done.

“We played at a high level defensively and did not concede any goals in the two matches, which is a credit to the team. However, we must be more effective offensively and put the ball in the net.

"We will choose the players who are most physically fit and capable of fighting on the pitch. The match will be 11 against 11, like a battlefield, and we need those representing Iraq to give their all to win."

UAE v Iraq
Venue: Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium (Abu Dhabi)
Kickoff: Thursday, 20:00 (UTC+4)