Australia travels to the Middle East for the second match of the international window.
Having accounted for Iraq 2-0 in Perth on Thursday night, their focus turns to fellow first up winners the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as they hope to get three points closer to qualification for Russia 2018. A 1:30am Wednesday (AEST) kick-off means that the dedicated fans watching this game live will be putting their coffee machines through the ringer.
Shock Waves
Any thoughts the Socceroos might have had about this being an easy trip were killed off after the UAE upset Japan in Saitama. With both sides on three points they will be looking to keep at least a three-point advantage over Japan and Saudi Arabia. Not only will the Socceroos have to battle their opponents on the pitch, there will be stifling desert heat and a raucous home crowd backing their team. With fans being able to enter the stadium for free, anything less than a capacity crowd will be a disappointment for the region.
On the pitch the danger man Omar Abdulrahman will be the one to watch following a stellar performance at last year’s Asian Cup. Team captain Ahmed Khalil scored two impressive goals in the Japan victory including a gutsy Panenka penalty. The first task for the Socceroos will be to shut those two players down, and not allow them the free space they desire.
It’s Getting Hot on the Road
With many of the European-based Socceroos less than a month into their domestic season, conditioning will be a worry for manager Ange Postecoglou. With the temperature at kick-off forecast to be in the thirties with plenty of humidity, the Socceroos will have to give their all for a focused, 90-minute performance. The former Roar and Victory coach says he will not let the conditions be an excuse for his team to drop their up-tempo style, instead asking his side to play to their strengths.
“If we do anything that adjusts we might as well play their game and they’re better at their game than we are,” he said.
Predicted Lineup
Mat Ryan will retain his spot in goal after a number of good saves against Iraq but there will be a few changes in front of him. Mark Milligan was impressive as a centre back in Perth but with an injury cloud over captain Mile Jedinak, he may shift into the midfield at the expense of the skipper, allowing Matthew Spiranovic to slot back into defence. Aaron Mooy will pull the strings in midfield and the front two will become a front three with Matthew Leckie shifting out to the wing, while Robbie Kruse will play on the wing taking Tom Rogic’s attacking midfield spot in a 4-3-3 system.
Player to Watch – Mark Milligan
Likely to operate as a secondary ball player behind Mooy, the former Melbourne Victory skipper will have to be prepared to play two roles as a screen in front of the back four and as a distributor to feed the more creative players.
Prediction
A hot and stifling affair sees a few moments of quality but eventually grinds to a draw with neither side elated but both left feeling content.
Australia 1 UAE 1
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