Australia vs Bahrain: Match Preview, Team News, and Lineups
Preview
Australia will face off against Bahrain in a crucial World Cup qualifier on Thursday, March 24th, at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Qatar.
The match is a must-win for both teams as they seek to secure a place in the intercontinental play-offs.
Australia are currently third in Group B, one point behind Japan and Saudi Arabia, while Bahrain are fourth, two points further back.
Team News
AustraliaAustralia have no major injury concerns ahead of the match, and coach Graham Arnold is expected to name a strong team.
The Socceroos will be led by captain Mat Ryan in goal, with Trent Sainsbury and Bailey Wright forming the central defensive partnership.
Aaron Mooy and Jackson Irvine will anchor the midfield, with Ajdin Hrustic and Martin Boyle providing the attacking threat.
BahrainBahrain will be without the suspended Mohamed Al Romaihi, but otherwise have a fully fit squad to choose from.
Coach Helio Sousa is expected to name a similar team to the one that started in the 2-0 win over Cambodia on Tuesday.
That means Abdulla Yusuf Helal and Jasim Al Shaikh will lead the line, with Mohamed Marhoon and Abdulla Yusuf Humaidan providing support from the midfield.
Lineups
AustraliaRyan; Sainsbury, Wright, Behich, Karacic; Mooy, Irvine; Hrustic, Boyle, Leckie; Maclaren
BahrainAl Alawi; Al Hayki, Al Haram, Al Doseri, Al Ansari; Al Shaikh, Marhoon; Yusuf Humaidan, Madan, Isa; Helal
Prediction
Australia are the favorites to win the match, but Bahrain are a dangerous team and will be looking to cause an upset.
The Socceroos have more quality in their squad, but Bahrain have shown that they can be a tough team to beat.
A draw would be a fair result, but Australia will be looking to take all three points to boost their chances of reaching the World Cup.
Komentar