TONIGHT’S GAME

WORLD CUP QUALIFIER, JAPAN v AUSTRALIA: Saitama Stadium, tonight 8.35pm. TV: Fox Sports 1, 9GO from 8pm. ODDS: Samurai Blue $1.80, draw $3.50, Socceroos $4.25. FORECAST: 24C, cloudy with rain at times.

THE BURNING ISSUES 1. ARE OUR BEST PLAYERS IN OUR BEST TEAM? The Socceroos were fantastic against Chile in June, but that side did not feature Aaron Mooy or Tom Rogic. Huddersfield’s Mooy and Celtic’s Rogic are arguably our two best players, are in great form and coach Ange Postecoglou insists they can prosper in the same line-up. But will he throw the midfielders in together tonight? 2.

FITNESS CONCERNS: Trent Sainsbury is key to Australia’s defence, but he has not played since injuring his groin at the Confederations Cup two months ago. The central defender has trained this week and if he plays there is no doubt he will push through the pain. 3.

DOES ONE CHILE PERFORMANCE ICE THE BLUEPRINT? The Socceroos pressed and harassed Chile from start to finish in a performance that was as impressive for the team’s work off the ball as it was for its work in possession. And while there is no doubt the Aussies can use their physicality to intimidate Japan, Postecoglou insists the approach he takes must differ from game to game. 4.

THE PRESSURE ON JAPAN IS INTENSE: Japan has also endured a scratchy qualifying campaign and the heat is on the team. If the hosts do not get the right result tonight there is talk coach Vadid Halilhodzic will be sacked before Japan flies to Saudi Arabia for next week’s final game.

MATT WINDLEY’S VERDICT: The Socceroos are confident; Japan is under the pump. AUSTRALIA 2-1.