KUALA LUMPUR: The absence of the talismanic Kodai Naraoka hands Malaysia an opportunity to capitalise and potentially enter their first Thomas Cup semi-finals in eight years by defeating Japan today.
World No. 5 Naraoka's surprising omission from Japan's lineup raises questions, with world No. 11 Kenta Nishimoto leading Japan's charge against Lee Zii Jia in the opening singles.
It's unclear whether Naraoka's absence is due to injury, especially since he also played no part in Japan's 5-0 win over Taiwan on Wednesday.
Malaysia retain the same lineup from their narrow 3-2 loss to Denmark in the final Group D fixture, featuring Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in the first doubles, Leong Jun Hao in the second singles, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani in the second doubles, and Justin Hoh in the third singles.
Japan's lineup include Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi in the first doubles, Koki Watanabe in the second singles, Akira Koga-Taichi Saito in the second doubles, and Kento Momota in the third singles.
The clash between Malaysia and Japan is a repeat of the semi-finals of the Asia Team Championships in Selangor in February, where Malaysia emerged victorious with an almost similar squad, except for Justin.
Malaysia must approach this Japanese challenge cautiously, as the return of Hoki-Kobayashi alters the dynamics of today's tie.
While Zii Jia appears capable of securing a win against Nishimoto, Aaron-Wooi Yik and Izzuddin-Sze Fei face tough opponents, trained by former Malaysian international Tan Kim Her.
Aaron-Wooi Yik have struggled against Hoki-Kobayashi, winning only twice in nine encounters, with six recent defeats.
Izzuddin-Sze Fei have yet to secure a win against Koga-Saito in all three encounters to date.
Jun Hao will seek redemption following his defeat against Koki in the earlier Asia team meet, where he also lost in the second singles duel.
Momota, too, is pumped up in his last appearance for Japan before retiring from international badminton. He hasn't conceded a game, and Malaysia certainly can't afford to let the tie drag until the third singles decider.
Momota could prove to be too much for Justin to handle.