The UAE had passed through the previous stage with flying colours, topping Group G with six wins from eight games while Lebanon just about squeezed through as one of the best runners-up in Group H, having managed a credible draw at home and an unfortunate loss away to Korea Republic on the way, with the two sides facing off once again at this stage of the Qualifiers.

Asia's elite national teams booked their spots in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar after a gruelling and mentally taxing second round heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at players who can change the outcome of matches for their teams in Group A.

Asia's elite national teams booked their spots in the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar after a gruelling and mentally taxing second round heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at players who can change the outcome of matches for their teams in Group B.

Team Melli’s dream strike duo both found the net, as did Australia’s Martin Boyle and Korean stars - both emerging and established, while no less than four Japanese players are among this week’s nominees after putting in stellar performances for their clubs.

Who was Asia’s standout player outside of the continent from August 25 to 30? Examine our 10 contenders and don’t forget to cast your vote.

Over the past three weeks we have seen the goalkeeper, the rearguard and the midfield maestros decided, it's time to turn our attention to the forwards and find out who you consider the top targetmen.

So, here are the 10 players in contention for the places at the business end of the field. Review the candidates and then select your favourite for this all-star XI in the poll below.

For the first time since joining the Asian Football Confederation in 2006, the Socceroos will play a competitive home match at this stage of the Asian Qualifiers on foreign soil, with quarantine restrictions forcing the Matchday One clash away from their preferred venue of Sydney.

That means that Australia's final lap on the Road to Qatar will begin at the destination itself, with Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium to serve as the venue for a clash that could shape both sides’ World Cup ambitions.