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Bahrain will look to pick themselves up from last week's World Cup heartbreak when they tackle Yemen in Asian Cup qualifying.

Milan Macala's side saw their hopes of a place at next year's finals in South Africa shattered following a 1-0 play-off defeat to New Zealand in Wellington.

But there has been little time to reflect on that loss as they made the long journey to Yemen earlier this week looking to extend their unbeaten run in Group A.

"The game will be played at a critical time after we lost the chance to qualify for the World Cup," said Czech coach Macala.

"It is really hard to get out of the situation that we have at the moment. The players must concentrate on the game and forget Saturday's match, otherwise the consequences could be very hard on us."

In the group's other game, Japan coach Takeshi Okada is likely to call upon his Europe-based stars when they tackle Hong Kong.

Okada fielded a strong squad in their recent friendly 0-0 draw with World Cup hosts South Africa and seems certain to keep the faith with those players at Hong Kong stadium.

That means the likes of Espanyol's Shunsuke Nakamura, Wolfsburg's Makoto Hasebe and Junichi Inamoto of Rennes will feature as Japan look to consolidate their position at the top of the standings.

"Nakamura is in good condition and can play but I have to think as to whether he will play tomorrow," said Okada.

"I will try to pick the best of all the players in my squad. I just want us to win every game we play so the side I will pick will be the best I can."