Australia v Saudi Arabia: World Cup Qualifying preview

Australia return to World Cup qualifying action on Thursday when they take on Saudi Arabia in a massive clash at AAMI Park.

The Socceroos sit second in the Group C standings, but are locked on five points with Saudi Arabia, heading into the match.

Whoever wins will put themselves in the driving seat for finishing in second spot, with Japan currently five points clear at the top.

There is new belief and optimism following the appointment of coach Tony Popovic and the Socceroos need to keep building the momentum.

Saudi Arabia will be a very dangerous opponent and the Socceroos will have to be on their game to get the job done.

Australia v Saudi Arabia betting preview

Popovic makes changes

Tony Popovic has made changes to his Socceroos squad for the massive double-header against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

One surprise is the omission of strike starlet Nestory Irankunda, who recently joined Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

Popovic believes Irankunda needs time to settle in to his new home, and jetting back to Australia will not help him.

But Popovic believes he has enough firepower in his squad to get the goals needed.

Western Sydney Wanderers striker Brandon Borrello is one such player after being recalled to the squad, along with Martin Boyle and Kusini Yengi.

Borrello is determined to grab the chance with both hands and help guide the Socceroos to the World Cup.

Debuts have also been handed to Max Balard, Anthony Caceres and Hayden Matthews.

The Socceroos can take plenty of heart from the way they fought out a 1-1 draw in Japan, to add to the 3-1 win over China in Popovic’s first game.

Another three points against the Saudis is now required before they make the trip to take on Bahrain the week after.

Saudis struggle for goals

Saudi Arabia have struggled for goals, failing to hit the back of the net in the last two games.

They slipped to a 2-0 home defeat against Japan, before being held to a goalless draw against Bahrain.

A point will be deemed as a great outcome for Saudi Arabia, before they then take on Indonesia next week.

With that in mind, they are likely to set their stall out for the draw and attempt to hit the Socceroos on the break.

The Socceroos have previously struggled with such tactics, but under the leadership of Popovic, will be hoping to find a way through.

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Australia v Saudi Arabia odds

Australia - 1.83
Draw - 3.30
Saudi Arabia - 3.75

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.