Shatskikh missed his side's opening loss against Iran through suspension but returned to score three times in the wins over Malaysia and China to share top spot in the goal scoring list with Mark Viduka of Australia, Japan'sNaohiro Takahara and Qatar striker Sebastian Quintana.

The Ukraine-based forward will lead the line on Sunday evening as Uzbekistan take on Saudi Arabia for a place in the last four for the first time.

"It's very positive for Asian football when the stars of the game are able to play for their national teams and Maksim is one of the stars of our team," said Inileyev.

"In the first game when he was suspended, if he had played I won't say we would have won but we would have played better then we did. Maksim Shatskikh is one of the players in our teams and he is captain and he is a key player in our game."

Uzbekistan reached the quarter-finals of the last Asian Cup only to lose on penalties to Bahrain.

But Inileyev appreciates the risks that exist in the knockout stages of any tournament, and the prospect of penalties should the game end level after extra-time.

"It's the quarter-finals so there are no draws, one team has to win the game and I think tomorrow will be an interesting game for both teams' fans and it will be interesting for both teams as well," he said.

"At this stage of the Asian Cup, penalties are one of the key parts of qualifying for the next round and we have had experience of penalties at the last Asian Cup. We are prepared for penalties, but although they can determine who goes through they're nothing but a lottery."

Ulugbek Bakaev misses the game through suspension but otherwise the Uzbeks are at full strength while Saudi Arabia have an injury doubt over Abdulrahman Al Qahtani.

Khalid Aziz returns after missing the 4-0 win over Bahrain through suspension.

"Al Qahtani doesn't have a very dangerous injury," said Anjos. "Khaled Aziz is an important player as he gives the other players in the team the chance to attack.

"His performance has improved physically and mentally and he is very important player in our tactics."