With new month starts new round

These 12 teams will battle exactly 12 months for the top 2 spots in each 2 groups, A and B, that goes directly to the World Cup, 2018 in Russia. Probably the best teams qualified for this penultimate round in Asia and in the one year campaign, we have to see some of the best football from this continent. Everyone is saying that the beginning is way to important but at the same time little bit difficult as well. This month is scheduled to be played two legs in a space of 5 days and already in the first leg one true derby awaits us this Tuesday.

- Australia - Iraq. The Socceroos are always dangerous at home no matter in which town they play. Australia will be confident to write first three points against an Iraq team, who lately are writing only losses. Every match between these two finishes with only a goal difference. It smells like a draw but the home side will be too powerful enough to record its first points.
- Japan - UAE. This match looks like a copy to the first. Japan is playing dominantly at home and it would be a real surprise if UAE will give them (some) trouble. United Arab Emirates will try to turn this game into their own advantage by holding their rivals back. Japan's form is definitely questionable, but they should be the one setting the pace on this one and record an (hard) victory.
- South Korea - PR China. If China is going to repeat their play from the previous round then this can go in their favor. But as South Korea has a name in Asian football this may easily be called our first derby. Everything points out that the host will take an easy victory in this game, but when their opponent is China nothing is for certain. In its previous meetings these two are playing some exciting matches and we should expect that on Tuesday spectators and TV viewers to see the same. As both teams are tough (a interesting) draw is inevitable.
- Uzbekistan - Syria. Syria is troublesome opponent to every team they are playing so Uzbekistan will have to work hard to beat them. Their coherent play leads to goals scored even on visiting pitches as well. Uzbekistan's first leg play is against a tricky team who can also go for victory in Tashkent. The hosts will have that in mind, but (unfortunately) they will drop two points at home.
- IR Iran - Qatar. By the looks of it this can be another derby. As both teams are in very good form we can expect a thrilling and entertaining game. Iran and Qatar's previous matches are mostly stalemates, but Iran will not allow any surprises at home.
- Saudi Arabia - Thailand. In all previous games so far, Saudi Arabia has recorded only victories against Thailand. The visitors are also a tricky opponent, they have the strength to surprise, but Saudi Arabia will prove them once again why they are the better team.