Head coach Maksim Lisitsyn would have worked on improving his side's finishing in the days leading up to the Uzbekistan clash, with the Russian admitting that his side let themselves down in front of goal against Iran.

“After some reorganisation, we managed to create good moments in the second half against Iran."

“We had a chance, and we are very disappointed that we didn't use it. We didn't use those moments well, but it's football. Let's prepare for the next game.”

Kyrgyz Republic will have to be at their best as they have not beaten their Central Asian rivals in all seven of their previous meetings, losing five of them.

For Uzbekistan head coach Katanec, what matters are results with the Slovenian not perturbed by his team's struggles against DPR Korea.

“Even though we didn't play well, we won,” said Katanec. “The result is the most important and because of this, I am satisfied."

“Our main task is to get to the World Cup. Our goal is the result. In the previous years, Uzbekistan played a beautiful and entertaining game but could not go to the World Cup, we need the World Cup.”

Venue: Dolen Omurzakov Stadium (Bishkek)

Kick-off: 20:00 (UTC+6)