Australia will prepare for their upcoming World Cup qualifying fixture against the United Arab Emirates by facing Jordan in an international friendly on Wednesday, with kickoff at 8 pm.
The Socceroos will be relieved to still compete after dramatically qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.
Australia was two points ahead of Oman with a game left to play and needed just a draw against Iraq to secure their place in Russia. However, the Socceroos came from behind twice to win 3-2 and advance at the expense of Iraq.
A run of just one victory from seven outings gives Graham Arnold plenty of cause for concern, particularly with his team having failed to score against either Japan or Saudi Arabia in their most recent games.
Australia will take on Jordan in a friendly on October 15, theoretically, the perfect preparation for games against United Arab Emirates and potentially Peru as they bid to join the world’s elite in Qatar. Almost a year has passed since Australia last met Jordan, who scored the only goal in a World Cup qualifier last October.
Jordan is looking to claim a prized scalp ahead of three Asian Cup fixtures in quick succession later this month. The Chivalrous won their last two matches, against New Zealand and India.
Australia vs. Jordan Head to Head
Both sides have seven games against each other, with the hosts taking four wins while visitors have three wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
- Saudi Australia 1-0 Australia
- Australia 0-2 Japan
- Oman 2-2 Australia
- Australia 4-0 Vietnam
Away
- Indian 0-2 Jordan
- Jordan 3-1 New Zealand
- Egypt 3-1 Jordan
- Jordan 5-1 Palestine
Australia Team News
The trio of Mathew Leckie, Jamie Maclaren, and Marco Tilio will likely start this game on the bench after Melbourne City’s A-League Grand Final loss to Western United at the weekend. With James Jeggo and Bruno Fornaroli not present in the squad on this occasion, at least two changes will be made from that match.
Jordan Team News
Hamad may be comfortable selecting the same Jordan XI from the game against India on Saturday. Still, the two goals that helped Jordan win that match came from substitutes Monther Abu Amara and Sharara, putting them in contention for a starting role.
Prediction and Odds
The Socceroos should have too much quality for Jordan, and we predict a comfortable win and clean sheet.
- Australia Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- No Score: Away
