Swati B
Australia will host Saudi Arabia in the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.
The Socceroos held Japan to a 1-1 draw in the previous World Cup qualifier. With just one win from four matches, Tony Popovic’s men are currently placed second in Group C standings.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia also have five points from the first four games, but sit third in the table, just below Australia, due to an inferior goal difference. They are coming off a goalless draw with Bahrain.
WATCH:Socceroos vs. Saudi Arabia LIVE in Australia on Paramount+ (free trial)
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Here’s how to watch this World Cup qualifier match in Australia:
This game is available for live TV broadcast on Channel 10 in Australia. Streaming options are available on Paramount+, who are offering a seven-day free trial for new customers on their streaming service.
STREAM:AFC World Cup Qualifiers LIVE on Paramount+ (free trial)
This World Cup qualifier takes place at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Australia, and kicks off on Thursday, November 14, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across Australia:
Australia will welcome Sam Silvera who served a suspension last month. Nestory Irankunda should also be back in action after picking an unspecified injury against China.
Jackson Irvine will wear the captain’s armband, while Craig Goodwin and McGree will provide support to Mitch Duke in the attack.
Socceroos predicted XI (3-4-2-1, right to left): Gauci (GK) — Souttar, Deng, Rowles— Miller, O’Neill, Irvine, Behich—Goodwin, McGree—Duke
Injured: None
Suspended: None
Abdulelah Al-Malki‘s return will boost Saudi Arabia. Salem Al-Dawsari and Firas Al-Buraikan are likely retain their positions in the attack despite a poor show against Japan.
Manager Herve Renard may make the last-minute call to pick either Stefan Al-Shehri or Ayman Ahmed on the wing.
Saudi Arabia predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Al-Kassar (GK) — Abdulhamid, Al Tambakti, Lajami, Kadesh— Aljuwayr, Al-Malki, N. Al-Dawsari—Al-Shehri, Al-Buraikan, S. Al-Dawsari
Injured: None
Suspended: None
The Socceroos delivered a much-improved performance against Japan last month under new manager Popovic. Australia have an unbeaten record on home soil against the Green Falcons, and they will be keen to extend that dominance.
Though the Asian side can cause a few concerns, Australia, playing in front of their home crowd, should take three points from this match.
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Swati is a content producer for The Sporting News, working across English-language editions.
