With the group having passed the halfway point, Saudi Arabia hold the advantage at the top going into the three-week run-in on home soil, Uzbekistan and Singapore remain within touching distance of the hosts while Palestine are bottom and practically out of contention.

Syria currently lead the way with a hugely impressive five wins from five and they start as clear favourites to progress to the third round of qualifying, while the pressure is on hosts China PR who sit eight points back, level with the Philippines.

The Maldives still have aspirations of a top-two finish and Guam are seeking their first points of the campaign. Ahead of the opening game between China and Guam on Sunday, the-AFC.com takes a closer look at Group A.

It has been 18 long months since a ball was kicked in Group B – featuring, Australia, Kuwait, Jordan, Nepal and Chinese Taipei – and with a wait like that, one could be forgiven for needing a refresher course before the action resumes.

But fear not, the-AFC.com is here to bring you all need to know about the finely poised group, including a run-down on the venues and how the teams currently stand, plus we pick out a key man from each of the five sides.

Victory over Antoine Hey’s side will take the Japanese into the next round by guaranteeing their status as Group F winners with two games remaining and maintain their perfect record in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers.

Japan have won their first five games in the Asian Qualifiers and a win on Friday would also secure Moriyasu’s side a berth at the Finals of the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

A goalless draw between Al Wahda and Al Ahed on Friday meant the three-team group remains open for all possibilities going into the final matchday, with Al Hidd needing to avoid defeat if they are to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Going into the match, Balata Center knew that only victory would keep their hopes of qualification to the next round on their debut alive, while Muharraq needed a win and other results to go their way to secure progress with a game to spare.

Against the run of play, Al Ama’ari Center opened the scoring 18 minutes into the match thanks to Abdulhamid Abuhabib, who tapped in Sameh Maraaba’s initial weak shot from close range after a fast break that also included Mohamed Maraaba in the build up.