Bathenay is unlikely to make big changes in the team and could even play the same team that defeated Malaysia 5-0 last week in Kuala Lumpur.

Esmail Hammadi, who was doing light training in the last few days due to an injury, could be fit for tomorrow’s match. Dr Jalal Al Ghali, the team’s doctor, said Hammadi is not suffering any burns as it was reported recently.

"I am ready to play. I do not suffer any burns in my thigh, it was just a slight bruise and I recovered from it. I am keen to take part with my teammates in the match," said Hammadi.

The UAE right winger said that the resounding win against Malaysia last week contributed to lifting the players’ morale.

"This big win gave us more confidence in our capabilities and to continue with the same excellent standard against Uzbekistan," he said.

The team held a training session last night at Sharjah stadium and will hold the final training today at the same venue. The defence of young players is the main worry for the UAE coach though they did well in the Malaysia match especially in the second half.

Bathenay would not like the first 15 minutes of the Malaysia match to be repeated again when the UAE defence was shaken and goals could have been scored. The Malaysian strikers were unlucky to miss two sitters in front of the UAE goal.

The defenders, Hamdan Kamali, Wal and Haydar Allo Ali, who played against Malaysia last week would be playing in tomorrow’s match, with Majid Naser as goalkeeper.

Abdul Salam Juma and his brother Abdul Rahim will play in front of the defence as defensive midfielders. On the flanks will be Hammadi ­- if he is fit or Ali Al Wehaibi replacing him - and Mohammad Al Shehhi.

At the front Bathenay will try Esmail Mattar and Mohammad Omar as the two strikers have recaptured their scoring touch by scoring four goals (two each) against Malaysia.