AKIPRESS.COM - Auckland City will meet the Uzbeks in Dubai in a warm-up game for the Club World Cup, according to the New Zealand media reports.

The Club World Cup begins next week in Morocco.

The New Zealand club, winners of the Oceania Champions League, open their tournament campaign against host club Moghreb Tetouan on Wednesday.

Their only preparatory game is on Thursday against Uzbekistan, who beat New Zealand 3-1 in an international friendly in September, also in Dubai.

Former All White Vicelich says their world 74th-ranked opponents will be primed to perform ahead of their Asian Cup campaign in Australia in January.

"Uzbekistan have quality players throughout their squad and are strong in midfield. We have to step up to our best level to compete with them," the 38-year-old said.

"It's a big level for us to step up. We need to concentrate and focus."

Auckland City go into the game off a 4-0 loss to Team Wellington in the domestic league.

Coach Ramon Tribulietx is awaiting fitness reports on three players before naming his starting team. He indicated he will select his strongest possible side.

It is the second time Auckland City have played national opposition, having lost 2-0 at home to Kuwait in 2009.