The two sides are separated by just one point after three games in a tight Group B with Australia top ahead of Saudi Arabia, with the Blue Samurai in third.

Australia and Japan have a rich history with several famous battles including in the 2006 World Cup group stage and the 2011 Asian Cup final.

Amid the rivalry is the fact the Socceroos haven’t beaten Japan in more than seven years, losing three of their past five encounters.

In fact the last time Australia beat Japan, Pim Verbeek was in charge of the Socceroos.

The starting XI from the last Socceroos win over Japan in 2009

Valencia goalkeeper Ryan has only faced Japan once, the last time these two sides faced off in a 2-1 friendly loss in Osaka in November 2014 but is excited to face Australia’s old foes.

“Australia and Japan have a big rivalry over the years,” Ryan said.

“They’ve been one of the mainstays in not only world football but Asia as well.

“They’ve been known as one of the better teams throughout Asia over the past 20 years or so.

“We’re expecting a difficult match. We’re an ambitious team, we have our goals and we’re confident we’ll come up with a game plan to get the job done. And hopefully put a gap on Japan.”

Socceroos midfielder Tom Rogic implored the Melbourne public to get out in numbers and provide raucous home support.

“It’s always nice when you play at home,” Rogic said.

“It’s something we’re looking forward to, any opportunity really.

“We’re certainly going to need their support, it’s going to be a difficult match.”