World Cup Qualifying - Asia | Third Round

Nov 14, 2024 at 12am UK

Australiavs.Saudi Arabia

Match preview

After six years in charge of the national side and a dull goalless draw at the home of Indonesia, Graham Arnold stepped down as the head coach of Australia. Former player Tony Popovic is taking over as manager as the AFC giants try to salvage their qualification campaign.

The 51-year-old got off to a flying start in his new role as Socceroos boss on 10 October, with his team recording a 3-1 victory in Adelaide over Group C strugglers China. Lewis Miller, Craig Goodwin and Nishan Velupillay all found the net for the Socceroos.

Just five days later, on October 15, the team had a tough match against Japan, who were leading their group. The Australian team played well, but a second-half own goal by defender Cameron Burgess meant they didn't get the three points they needed in Saitama.

The Socceroos have made huge improvements since September, with October results seeing them move up to second place in Group C. They're currently five points behind Japan, who are leading the way. The top two teams in the six-team division automatically qualify for the World Cup.

Australia have won two and drawn one of their last three home matches against Saudi Arabia. The Green Falcons' most recent visit to the Oceania giants was back in November 2021. That was a good game, with both Socceroos captain Matty Ryan and Al-Hilal star Mohammed Al-Rubaie keeping clean sheets.

After just over a year in charge of the 2022 World Cup appearance makers, former Manchester City and Italy manager Roberto Mancini left his post at the Saudi Arabia national team by mutual consent in October. He managed just seven victories from his 18 matches at the helm, including winning the Euro 2020.

While some fans will be disappointed by the Italian's departure, there's been a lot of excitement and media attention around his replacement. Herve Renard is returning to the Green Falcons after a spell managing France in the women's game, including at the Paris Olympics over the summer.

He's been a mainstay on the international scene for years. He won the Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia (2012) and Ivory Coast (2015) and also led Saudi Arabia to the 2022 World Cup. He also had a big impact in the group stages, when he beat eventual champions Argentina in sensational circumstances.

The Green Falcons have a lot of work to do if they want to automatically qualify for their third straight World Cup finals. They're currently third in Group C, tied with Australia and Bahrain.

Saudi Arabia didn't score in two matches in October. They lost 2-0 at home to Japan, who were top of the group, and drew 0-0 with Bahrain on 15 October. Captain Salem Al-Dawsari missed a penalty, which was saved by Ebrahim Lutfalla.

Recent Performance

Australia World Cup Qualifying - Asia form:WWLDWD

Saudi Arabia World Cup Qualifying - Asia form:WLDWLD

Team News

Australia are set to start a number of players who play in England on Thursday night, including Middlesbrough midfielder Riley McGree and Sheffield United's Harry Souttar.

Luke Brattan was forced off during the half-time interval in Japan last time out, so he might be replaced by Nashville SC's Patrick Yazbek in the engine room.

After missing a penalty against Bahrain last month, Saudi Arabia captain Al-Dawsari will be out of action in November due to a foot injury.

The Green Falcons are also without the services of Abdulelah Al Amri, who is 27 years old. This limits the visitors' options at the heart of their backline.

Abdulelah Al Malki, who won the Saudi Pro League once, won't be able to play for his country this month because of a muscle injury.

Possible starting lineup

Australia possible starting lineup:

Gauci; Geria, Souttar, Burgess; Miller, Yazbek, Irvine, Bos; McGree, Hrustic, Duke

Saudi Arabia possible starting lineup:

Al Kassar; Hamed, Tambakti, Lajami, Kadesh; Alkhaibari, N Al Dawsari, Al Asmari; Yahya, Radif, Maran