Australia can book their spot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a win but face a tricky task against a Japanese outfit desperate to achieve the same result on home soil.
Following Saudi Arabia's (16 pts) shock loss to UAE, both Australia (16 pts) and Japan (17 pts) can confirm their place at Russia 2018 with a win on Thursday night.
And with so much on the line in Saitama, it promises to be another epic battle between these two fierce rivals.
READ: PREVIEW: Japan v Caltex Socceroos
GALLERY: Who'll start against Japan?
READ: Ange's final message ahead of Saitama showdown
WATCH: Japan v Socceroos: five things to know
Follow all the action with our LIVE BLOG below - kick off is 8:35 (AEST).