Yoshida tips 'long-ball' Socceroos

​Japan's Maya Yoshida expects Australia to go long to Tim Cahill in Osaka on Tuesday and says he's relishing a tough duel with the New York Red Bulls forward.

Javier Aguirre's Samurai Blue will host the Socceroos at Nagai Stadium on Tuesday night, in a key friendly ahead of January's Asian Cup.

Socceroos v Japan live on ABC TV

Despite Ange Postecoglou trying to develop a possession-based, passing style as national team boss, it seems perceptions of Australia as an overly direct side still exist, at least according to Japan's Southampton defender.

"Until the third goal I didn't think it was an easy game but after 3-0 up everyone felt it was much better," Yoshida was quoted as saying by Kyodo News, referring to his team's 6-0 win over Honduras on Friday.

"But Australia will be much more difficult. Cahill is the one of the most difficult strikers to play against in Asia. Physically he is very strong and is a great header of the ball.

"I think they will try and play long balls to him and pick up the second balls to shoot, but of course I am looking forward to playing against him."

It remains to be seen if Yoshida does come up against Cahill, who missed a training session prior to the game due to a minor hip complaint.