The Australians have noted Abdulrahman's arrogance and believe they can exploit his lack of work ethic.

Socceroos defender Trent Sainsbury says the Australians, wary of Abdulrahman's quality, will get in his face in Tuesday night's fixture in Newcastle.

"Very tidy on the ball, not the hardest worker and I think we can exploit that," Sainsbury said on Sunday of Abdulrahman. "But at the same time, if we have got the ball, we have also got to keep one eye on him defensively. That is going to be the biggest thing for us as a defence."

Abdulrahman, a 23-year-old attacking midfielder rated by many as the player of the Asian Cup so far, has attracted interest from giant clubs including Manchester City, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.

"He has just got that arrogance about him," Sainsbury said.

"He has got the cheekiness to chuck in a nutmeg here and there and he's a very quick thinker on the ball.

"So if we can counteract that and get in his face and not let him get his head up, hopefully we can stop him.

"If we can keep him facing our goal, then he's not going to be able to face forward and play that killer ball. So to keep him playing backwards would be a good plan for us."

The Socceroos enter the knockout bout with an extra day of rest - and they won their quarter-final in regulation time, while UAE scraped past Japan on penalties after extra time.

"I don't think the UAE has got the legs and the stamina to go with us for 90 minutes," Sainsbury said.

"It is just going to be quick ball movement, player movement. And as soon as we lose the ball, try and win it back - try and choke them until they're blue."

The Socceroos expect the Emirates to play with caution, in stark contrast to what the host nation has planned.

"You have got to go for it in this game - you can't hold back," Sainsbury said. AAP