In their bid to be ready for the 2015 Asian Cup qualifier against Bahrain next week, Datuk K. Rajagopal’s Harimau Malaya will go up against formidable opponents, UAE in China.

These two teams have only clashed twice in the last five years, both of which were matches with AFC Cup qualification at stake.

Malaysia have never beaten them in these two meetings, losing 5-0 in 2009 and 1-0 the year after.

To make matters worse for the Malayan Tigers, when they do battle with the team ranked 82nd in the FIFA rankings on Wednesday, they will be without their talismanic winger Wan Zack Haikal who is nursing a knee injury.

However, they will have a great side backed with Fadhli Shas, Aidil Zafuan, Safiq Rahim, Nazrin Nawi and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha.

Nonetheless, a similar strong side fell to China 2-0 with almost no edge upfront.

If Rajagopal would want a good result in this game, he’d need a good strategy to overcome a strong attacking side while also looking sharp in front of goal.

UAE on the other hand, have had a long string of victories over the past few months including a 2-0 win against New Zealand, Vietnam and Uzbekistan.

These are just a few of the notable wins the Whites have recorded out of their 10-game unbeaten run.

Ismail Matar is UAE’s man to watch as he is the squad’s longest serving player in this era and to add to that accolade, he has 32 goals to his name to date.

The two-time Gulf Cup champions are clear favourites in this tie and what better way to prepare for big-game conditions than a tough opponent for Malaysia.