China v Australia: World Cup Qualifier preview

Australia can take a huge step towards World Cup qualification if they pick up all three points against China on Tuesday night.

An emphatic 5-1 win over Indonesia in their previous qualifier has put the Socceroos in the driving seat as they look to secure second spot in Group C.

Japan already have top spot in the bag, but following the win over Indonesia, coupled with other results going their way, Tony Popovic's side are on course for second.

Qualification is now in their own hands, but there can be no room for complacency when they take on China, who sit bottom of the group.

There are now just three qualifiers remaining but, with Japan and Saudi Arabia to follow after China, three points are a must on Tuesday.

China v Australia betting preview

Socceroos run riot to get back on track

The Socceroos picked up a massive three points when they totally overwhelmed Indonesia at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night.

They have struggled to find the back of the net during World Cup qualification, but there were no such issues on this occasion.

A 5-1 win will have given Popovic’s players a much-needed boost and they will look to keep it going against China.

Considering China have conceded 17 goals in qualification already, there is a good chance that the Socceroos will be able to boost their Goals For column further.

Over 2.5 goals in the game can be backed at 1.80, with under 2.5 goals available at 2.00.

The last time these two sides met Australia were far from convincing and actually fell behind before fighting back to win 3-1.

However much has changed since then, with Popovic at the helm and the Socceroos playing with more purpose.

Jackson Irvine was key in the win over Indonesia when bagging two of the goals and is priced at 9.50 to grab the first goal against China, or 4.33 to score at anytime.

Popovic forced into changes

Socceroos boss Popovic has been forced into a couple of changes ahead of the China game.

Striker Adam Taggart came off injured against Indonesia, while Kusini Yengi has returned to England after picking up an injury in training.

Popovic has called up just one player to help fill the void, with experienced striker Mitchell Duke getting the nod.

Duke was a surprise exclusion from the original squad for the two games, but Popovic had no hesitation when making the call for the Machida Zelvia frontman.

Read more soccer previews on site.

China v Australia odds

China - 5.75
Draw - 4.00
Australia - 1.44

View the full market and more odds for China v Australia on site.

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.