3 minute read
The Socceroos are in World Cup qualifying action when they take on Bangladesh on Thursday night, and have the chance to wrap up top spot in Group I.
Australia have dominated the group so far when winning all four games, scoring 15 goals and conceding none.
They are already through to the next stage of qualifying but will not take their foot off the gas.
A victory over Bangladesh in Dhaka should be a formality, but there will be no complacency in the Socceroos camp ahead of the game.
Players will get the opportunity to impress coach Graham Arnold and stake a claim to be a regular in his starting eleven.
Bangladesh have pride to play for after losing 7-0 against the Socceroos in the last encounter, and will be ready to put up fight in front of their own supporters.
. What: Bangladesh v Australia
. Where: Bashundhara Kings Arena, Dhaka
. When: 20:45 (AEST), Thursday 6th June 2024
. How to watch: Paramount+
. Odds: Bangladesh 51.00, Draw 23.00, Australia 1.015
Socceroos missing key players
Australia have already sealed their passage through to the third phase of World Cup qualifying, and that has allowed Graham Arnold the chance to tinker with his squad.
The aim is to win their two remaining Group I games against Bangladesh and Palestine in style, but at the same time, it presents an opportunity for some fringe players to get a run out.
Some players have been ruled out through injuries, while some will be rested following a gruelling campaign at both domestic and international level.
Maty Ryan, Sammy Silvera and Nathaniel Atkinson are the players to be rested, while Craig Goodwin, Riley McGree, Aiden O'Neill, Tom Glover and Lewis Miller are all nursing injuries.
Arzani looks to shine
One player out to grab his chance is Daniel Arzani, who will make his first Socceroos appearance since the 2018 World Cup.
The forward had a tough few seasons in Europe after a dream move to Manchester City failed to work out, but has been given a new lease of life since returning to Australia with Melbourne Victory.
Arzani has vowed to grab his opportunity with both hands and stake a claim in the next two games, and he can be backed at 6.00 to score the first goal of the game, or 1.72 to score at anytime.
Kusini Yengi, fresh from winning promotion to the English Championship with Portsmouth, can be backed at 4.00 to score first.
Socceroos target comfortable win
The Socceroos wrapped up a 7-0 win against Bangladesh when the two sides met at AAMI Park in Melbourne back in November.
The clash at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in Dhaka could be more of a test depending on the state of the pitch and weather conditions.
Even so, the Socceroos will be expected to run out comfortable winners once again.
Over 2.5 goals in the game can be backed at 1.062, while under is available at 10.00.
Bangladesh have conceded 14 goals in their four group games so far, and have managed to score just one.
The Socceroos to win the game 4-0 is priced at 7.50.
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