Ange Postecoglou is expecting a hostile reception when Australia take on the U.A.E. in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Paul Kane/Getty Images

Tough-talking Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou expects the United Arab Emirates to be afraid of Australia in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night.

And according to the Asian Cup-winning boss, they should be.

Postecoglou is undaunted by the hot weather, the opposition, a hostile crowd or the stakes at play when the two sides meet at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.

Organisers have thrown open the gates to the match, hoping to fill the 42,000-seat venue on the back of the U.A.E.'s stunning 2-1 win over Japan in their first qualifier.

But Postecoglou isn't one to take a backward step, talking up the Socceroos and urging Australians to do the same.

"I think they'd be a bit fearful of us and have every right to be. I expect them to sit back," he said.

"Other teams probably hold us in higher regard than we do ourselves."