Fiji and Vanuatu face must-win encounters to get their Oceania Nations Cup football campaigns back on track.
Fiji were beaten 3-1 by New Zealand at the weekend and need all three points against Solomon Islands to keep alive their chances of making the semi finals.
Assistant coach Kamal Swamy said the Solomons, who beat Vanuatu 1-0, play a possession game and the key to the match will be winning the ball in midfield.
"The Solomons will be very difficult opponents, they play a possession game and they hold the ball well. The key to the match will be the midfield, we need to win the ball in those areas. We talked with the boys about the importance of this game, we need to be confident and we must win otherwise our tournament is over."
Fiji captain Roy Krishna is his country's chief scoring threat. Photo: OFC via Phototek
Captain Roy Krishna scored against the All Whites but Solomons coach Moses Toata said his team can't afford to single out individuals.
"For me Roy Krishna is just one player but we can and actually have plans to see how we can defend Roy but we must not forget that they are a team so if we concentrate too much on one player it can be a weakness for us. They play long balls and we have to strategise our game according to what we have seen so far but we are looking forward to the game and believe if we stick to our gameplan we can win."
Fiji head coach Frank Farina should also be back on the touchline after missing the tournament opener because of visa problems.
Tournament favourites not taking anything for granted
New Zealand can clinch a spot in the semi finals with victory over Vanuatu.
All Whites coach Anthony Hudson will be able to call on some of the late arrivals, including Kosta Barbarouses, Marco Rojas, Jeremy Brockie and Michael Boxall, for tonight's clash and said they will have to be on their game.
"These teams are very dangerous and we saw that last year in the islands. They've got some players that can hurt any team."
All Whites coach Anthony Hudson. Photo: Photosport
Defender Bill Tuiloma said they know what to expect.
"They're going to be quick, they will be strong - it's not going to be a walk in the park and it's not going to be a little stroll but each island team will be difficult so that will give us good competition. We just have to be at our best and be ready for the game."
Vanuatu need maximum points tonight and head coach Moise Poida said they have to be more clinical in front of goal if they're to cause an upset.
"We know New Zealand is a better team, they have players from overseas and they have a good game strategy. But I saw their game against Fiji and I think the way they played in that match was not the New Zealand we were thinking of, so I think we can do something."
Solomon Islands pipped Vanuatu 1-0 at the Oceania Nations Cup. Photo: OFC iv Phototek
