World Cup Qualifier: Socceroos v Thailand

WCQ: Australia v Thailand
Tuesday 8:05pm (AEST)
at AAMI Park, Melbourne

The Wolf tipped Japan to beat the Socceroos 2-0 @ $9 and the result leaves the Socceroos in a tough spot. Japan have now qualified and are 4 points clear of Saudi Arabia and the Socceroos who are locked on 16 points a piece. The Socceroos have an inferior goal difference to the Saudi’s who are 2 goals better off. It means that if Saudi Arabia beat Japan, who are likely to rest key players now that they have secured qualification, the Socceroos must win by two goals more than the Saudi’s in order to qualify.

One thing is for certain – the Socceroos will put the pedal to the medal from the opening whistle. The aim has to be to score at least 5 or 6 goals in order to have complete control over the outcome. The Socceroos cannot rely on Japan to do us favours and The Wolf believes that Postecoglou will alter his formation and start with two up front in an attempt to play both faster and more direct. The patient build up from the back that we have become accustomed to will be left in the sheds for this one.

The Wolf is hoping that Ange will say goodbye to the back three and would like to see Gersbach get the nod over Brad Smith. In addition Kruse should not be given the role of target man up front!!! He is not a no.9 and simply does not fit that role. He lacks size and strength and winning aerial battles are far from one of his strengths. He cannot play with his back to goal and is not a natural finisher.

Mooy and Juric will be injected into the starting line up and The Wolf says the duo hold the key to any Socceroos success. Mooy has been in spectacular form for Huddersfield and Juric has proved to be out best option up front. Troisi was arguably one of out best in Japan and deserves to hold down his spot but we may see Milligan shifted into the holding midfield role meaning someone may have to make way.

The Socceroos are undefeated against Thailand with 3 wins and a draw but only one of those wins have come by a margin of 2 or more. With everything on the line and a sold out crowd The Wolf is expecting the Aussies to be relentless. Thailand have conceded 22 goals in their 9 qualifiers – 10 more than any other team. Wolfy is expecting the Socceroos to score at least 5!

Recommended Bets

Best: Over 3.5 goals ($1.53)
Other: Australia WIN Both Halves ($1.44)
Value: Australia Over 4.5 goals ($3.10)
Correct Score: Australia 6-0 ($17.00)