Japan face Bruno Metsu's Gulf Cup champions, who crashed to a 2-0 opening-day defeat against co-hosts Vietnam on Sunday, knowing a victory is vital following their disappointing 1-1 draw with Qatar.

Albirex Niigata striker Kisho Yano is set to partner Takahara in attack against the UAE, while Yuichi Komano has recovered from an injury which forced him to miss the draw with Qatar and is set to feature.

"We've forced ourselves to be in this situation as a result of our mistakes (against Qatar). All of us are aware that we must win, but the UAE will also need to win," said Takahara.

"We still have a chance. Nothing has been decided. We should work hard to earn three points."

Japan's former Yugoslavia coach Ivica Osim watched as Ismail Matar struck five goals in five games during the UAE's Gulf Cup triumph in January, but insists the Al Wahda frontman is not his only concern ahead of the clash at My Dinh National Stadium.

"UAE are a very dangerous team," said Osim. "We will be in a dangerous situation if we don't play better than what we did against Qatar.

"Ismail Matar is a dangerous player. But you should look at our opponent as a unit, not a certain player alone. Also, they have a wonderful coach."

United Arab Emirates coach Metsu, who played alongside Osim at French club Valenciennes, is confident his Gulf Cup champions can capitalise on an underperforming Japan on Friday.

Despite admitting Osim's side are the best team in the tournament, Metsu is confident the UAE can collect three points after witnessing the defending champions' draw with Qatar, which saw the Asian Games gold medalists grab a 88th-minute equaliser.

"We will look to take advantage of Japan's inability to kill off a game," said Metsu.

"Tactically Japan were the better team (against Qatar), but in football you have to kill the game. It's not the coach's fault, it's the players' mistake.

"I hope we react well against Japan because it will not be easy. For me, the Japanese team is the best in the tournament. Japan have a good team and good players, but in the last game they did not have any luck and I hope that is the same against us.

"We need to get points for the match; we will do our best to get as many points as possible.

"After the loss in the first match the players were upset and we want to do everything we can to improve our hopes of advancing from the group."