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The Socceroos are up against Serbia tonight in Melbourne, their 2010 World Cup opponents, with both sides looking to their under-strength squads for what the future might hold. Join us ahead of the 7:30pm (AEST) kickoff as we live blog the Australia vs Serbia game.
The Socceroos beat Serbia 2-1 in the World Cup finals in South Africa which left the team on a high despite being unable to progress into the round of 16 after their 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Germany.
However, both teams will line up differently from that night.
While Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill is likely to return from a groin injury which has troubled him during his season in Turkey, Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell and Mark Schwarzer will be on the sidelines through injury and form concerns.
Archie Thompson could also sneak into the starting team.
Socceroos lineup (confirmed) (4-4-2): Federici (gk), Neill (c), Ognenovski, Wilkshire, Zullo, Emerton, Valeri, Jedinak, McKay, Thompson, Holman
The Serbian White Eagles are also without stars Nemanja Vidic, Branislav Ivanovic and Milos Krasic, and are likely to make changes after coach Vladimir Petrovic was unhappy with their defeat at the hands of the Korea Republic, a 2-1 loss in Seoul. However, skipper Dejan Stankovic should win his 98th international cap, and will be a threat.
Serbia lineup (confirmed) (4-4-2): Kahriman (gk), Rajkokic, Tomovic, Tosic, Ljajic, Stankovic (c), Damjanovic, Petrovic, Obradovic, Vilotic, Kuzmanovic
The match is just the second between the two sides, and both teams should be well supported with Melbourne’s large Serbian population likely out to cheer their side on under the closed roof at Etihad.
With players looking to impress a big crowd and their managers, it’s expected the game will be played expansively and at a fast pace. Tough one to pick, but the home advantage should boost the Socceroos – 2-1.
Odds:
Australia $2.00
Draw $3.25
Serbia $3.35
Australia vs Serbia – 7:30pm kickoff from Etihad Stadium, Docklands, Melbourne.
Join us for all the action with live blog and scores – and send in your predictions for the game below.
FINAL SCORE: Australia 0 – Serbia 0 – an entertaining clash with a fair result. A good test of Australia’s mettle ahead of their first World Cup qualifier in September.
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