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DUBAI: Uzbekistan head coach Hector Cuper said his side’s AFC Asian Cup’s Central Asian ‘derby’ against Turkmenistan will be won by the best prepared team, ahead of the Matchday Two clash at Rashid Stadium.

With three points in the bag after their 2-1 win over Oman, the White Wolves can seal their place in the Round of 16 with a win over their neighbours, and continue their impressive record of not missing the knockout stage since 2000.

Speaking ahead of the tie, Cuper said he had been impressed by a Turkmenistan side which led Japan before ultimately losing 3-2 in their opening match.

“Turkmenistan had a really good performance against Japan, which is one of the big sides of the Asian continent,” said the former Inter Milan and Valencia boss.

“We can theoretically watch them and analyse them but it’s really different to see them on the pitch.

“They are a team with good discipline and, moreover, they are very good down the left wing. These are the main advantages of Turkmenistan, but each team has their own style and will play their own football.

“The team that will win will be the better prepared team for this game.”

Turkmenistan approach Sunday’s clash boosted by their impressive introduction against Japan, with a thumping opener from Arslan Amanov and Ahmey Atayev’s late penalty contributing to a performance which pushed the four-time champions all the way.

“It gave us confidence,” said head coach Yazguly Hojageldyev. “The result wasn’t good for us but it gives is good confidence for the team. Nevertheless, we made small mistakes in the game so, we will try to erase these mistakes from the game.

Uzbekistan will be without suspended central defender Egor Krimets, while Ignatiy Nesterov and Jaloliddin Masharipov are one yellow card away, as is Turkmenistan’s Vezirgeldi Ylyasov.