The visitors must beat the group leaders to keep alive the faintest hope of progressing to the knockout stage of the competition.

Gamba are currently four points ahead of Victory on top of Group G, after the Japanese outfit snatched a last-minute win at Telstra Dome two weeks ago.

Victory, currently third in Group G with three points from as many matches, must secure at least a point from this Match Day 4 fixture to have any hope of advancing in Asia’s premier club competition.

Muscat said: “The boys were really hurting after our loss against Gamba a couple of weeks ago and this is our chance to make amends and get one back.

"I’m confident we’ll play well in Osaka and hopefully we can bring home three points and give ourselves a chance of finishing on top."

Despite remaining upbeat, Muscat said the side was fully aware that Gamba must also drop points against either Thailand’s Chonburi FC or Korea Republic’s Chunnam Dragons for Victory to top Group G.

"There’s no doubt this is a massive challenge for us," Muscat added. "Gamba is a good side with a host of quality players, but our boys are fired up and will give it everything on Wednesday."

An unchanged squad of 18 players arrived in Osaka late Monday night, with Qantas Socceroos midfielder Leigh Broxham, who rolled his ankle in a trial match against Adelaide United last week, making the journey.

Cool conditions are expected at Expo ’70 Stadium for Wednesday’s match, with a low temperature of 14 degrees forecast for Osaka, which is coincidentally celebrating 30 years as a sister-city of Melbourne.