Canberra’s GIO Stadium hosts the Socceroos’ fifth game of this round of World Cup qualifiers against Kyrgyzstan on Thursday night.
Having prevailed in Bishkek by a narrow 2-1 margin in June, Australia will be hoping to put together a convincing victory in front of a local crowd that will be excited to see the stars in their own backyard.
Late Squad Changes
Unlike previous games, the initial squad announced by coach Ange Postecoglu has stayed relatively intact. Only defender Matthew Spiranovic was a late withdrawal due to a calf injury and at the time of writing, no replacement had been called into the camp.
Expectation to Attack
As the home side, and with a much higher rank than their opponents to enjoy, the onus will be on the Socceroos to attack from the outset and get the crowd involved early. There is a lot of intrigue surrounding the team selection and how aggressive coach Postecoglou is willing to be. In the first contest between these sides Australia took an early lead through a Mile Jedinak free kick and a similar start will be important as they look to entertain the crowd and keep pace with group pacesetters Jordan.
Projected Lineup
Mat Ryan makes his return to the team and should instantly be restored as the first choice goalkeeper. Two spots are available in the back four with the late withdrawal of Spiranovic and the rotating cast currently used at right-back. The two primary options there are incumbent Ryan McGowan, who is normally used when more defensive stability is required, or James Meredith, who was brought into camp against Jordan. Trent Sainsbury is expected to start in place of Spiranovic ahead of Alex Wilkinson with regulars Bailey Wright and Jason Davidson also taking their places in the XI.
In midfield, Mile Jedinak should return, likely forcing the impressive Aaron Mooy to the bench. That will free up Mark Milligan to push forward and support the attack while Jedinak stays deep. The attacking trio will likely consist of Luongo and Rogic playing as dual 10s with Tim Cahill up top.
Late mail to keep an eye on is the status of Mathew Leckie who has been delayed getting out of Europe due to illness which may prevent him from featuring in this game. If he is unable to take his spot, Tommy Oar may find himself thrust into the lineup.
Socceroos Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Ryan (GK); Meredith, Wright, Sainsbury, Davidson; Milligan, Jedinak; Leckie, Luongo, Rogic; Cahill.
Player to Watch – Mile Jedinak
Having missed several games due to a hamstring injury, the captain returns to the team but there are questions over what role he will play in the team setup. His defensive work rate will be crucial as both full-backs will likely try to push forward as much as possible. Jedinak will need to sit back and cut out any counter-attacks that come his way.
Prediction
This match will not be as difficult for the Socceroos as the Bishkek trip, nor will it be as easy as their last home game against Bangladesh. Australia will press hard, trying to score as many goals as possible but will need to defend astutely from time to time.
Australia 3 Kyrgyszstan 0
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