Japan have nine points in qualifying Group A and are six points ahead of third-placed Yemen with two games remaining.

It would take a highly improbable set of results in the remaining games for Japan not to qualify and as result Okada has decided to rest his first-team regulars while allowing fringe players the chance to shine.

"The aim of this young squad is to win and collect the three points from the game against Yemen," he said.

"We have no other options but to rest our regular players at this time of the year.

"The game will be a chance for the new players to play at international level and make a name for themselves."

A weakened Japan squad will no doubt come as boost for Yemen, who need to win the game to keep alive their hopes of snatching a qualification spot.

Coach Srecko Juricic has urged his players to give their all and spring a surprise result.

"Japan are favourites to win because they are one of the big teams in the continent," he said.

"We are outsiders because we are building a new team.

"Unfortunately we have not had many matches to prepare since I joined the national team. I hope our players will play a good game and give 100%."

Meanwhile, Bahrain are also closing in on securing their place at next year's Asian Cup as they look to maintain their 100% record in the group against Hong Kong.

Just a point will be enough should Japan defeat Yemen but coach Milan Macala has called on his players to continue their good form with a fourth successive win.

"We haven't secured our place in the finals yet," said Macala.

"A point against Hong Kong will be enough for us to virtually seal our place in the finals with two matches to go.

"However, our main aim is to continue our good performances in the qualifiers because we want to win and continue our winning streak.

"It will be great to register our fourth consecutive win in as many games."