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With Holger Osieck announcing his provisional squad for the East Asian Cup qualifiers at Etihad Stadium today, here’s a look at the A-League players that should be in the mix.
While it’s not yet clear just how many players he’ll pick today, and how many of our overseas based professionals will be on list, the likelihood is the initial squad will be at least 30.
If last week’s friendly win in South Korea is any guide, it’s likely to be a mix of A-Leaguers and those available overseas, and the hope is Osieck continues to regenerate the Roos by giving youngsters more opportunities.
Next week Osieck will make his final selection, likely to be 23, who will take off next Friday for the nine-day tournament in Mong Kok Stadium in Kowloon, Hong Kong.
There they’ll play four games in seven days against Hong Kong, North Korea, Guam and Chinese Tapei, from December 3-9, and the Socceroos need to finish atop the group to qualify for the tournament proper next year.
With only one rest day in between each game, it’s more than likely Osieck will need to shuffle his XI from match to match, and the squad will need to be deep and even in quality, with Osieck able to choose two strong XI’s.
Fitness, therefore, should be a factor in Osieck’s selection, especially with a limited preparation that will see the Socceroos fly in with just two days to prepare for their opener against the hosts.
For Osieck, the big question is whether he will throw in a number of experienced A-Leaguers to complement some of the talented youngsters like Tom Rogic, Aaron Mooy and Aziz Behich.
With that in mind, and given Osieck’s generally conservative approach, this field surveys not only the youngsters, but some of the experienced candidates, club-by-club.
Adelaide United
Eugene Galekovic, given his supreme form over the past four or five seasons, should be the first A-League keeper picked, especially with Mark Schwarzer not going and Osieck likely to want at least some experience.
Meanwhile, higher up the pitch, there have been glimpses from Dario Vidosic that he might finally be free from injury and ready to be a creative threat more consistently.
Among the potential bolters are Cassio, Iain Fyfe and Osama Malik, while Jon McKain offers some Socceroos experience. One to watch is winger Evan Kostopoulos, but this selection has come too early.
Brisbane Roar
It’s been a bit hit and miss so far for the Roar and, unlike the past two seasons, there aren’t a bevy of players banging on Osieck’s door for an opportunity.
The most likely are midfielders Erik Paartalu and Mitch Nichols, although, in truth, their form has been a bit hot and cold this season.
Ivan Franjic would have been a shoe-in for such a selection in the past, while Ben Halloran has been mentioned as a potential bolter, but neither have been particularly great.
Michael Theo would probably be fourth or fifth in the A-League pecking order behind Galekovic, Mat Ryan and Nathan Coe.
Central Coast Mariners
After his impressive Socceroos debut last week and A-League form, Tom Rogic is likely to be one of the first picked. Not far behind him will be Mat Ryan.
Josh Rose’s name has been heavily pushed for the past few years, and this correspondent was among first to suggest his name a couple of seasons ago, but he is not the same player today. Still, he is in with a chance if Osieck takes Aziz Behich and one other A-League left back.
Mile Sterjovski finally hit his straps on Saturday night and might sneak in if Osieck wants experience, but if the gaffer is serious about building for the future, the pendulum should shift towards someone like Trent Sainsbury.
Comfortable on the ball, quick, reading the game well, he has slotted in seamlessly alongside Patrick Zwaanswijk, and is one to watch, even if he misses out here.
Melbourne Heart
Aziz Behich, impressing off the bench in South Korea last week, should be picked, and there’s every chance both Richard Garcia and Michael Marrone, both in decent A-League nick, might be there as well.
Another in the experienced and versatile camp, should Osieck be looking for job-doers, is Matt Thompson.
Melbourne Victory
Archie Thompson and Mark Milligan are the most likely, but if Osieck is taking three A-League custodians then Nathan Coe has every chance of being the number three behind Galekovic and Ryan.
I’ve been impressed by Billy Celeski this season and been a long-time fan of his enabling work in midfield, but this selection probably comes too soon after a return from injury.
Newcastle Jets
None of the Jets are certainties to make the initial cut, but with decent form you would imagine that left-sided Craig Goodwin would be the best chance.
Others that might come into Osieck’s thoughts are Ryan Griffiths and James Brown.
Meanwhile, a couple to keep an eye out on for future selections are James Virgili and Mark Birighitti, both having outstanding starts to the season.
Perth Glory
Injury is likely to mean Jacob Burns misses out, but Michael Thwaite proved last week what most of us have suspected all along; that he should be a regular fixture for the Roos.
The other Glory player making the biggest impression has been right back Josh Risdon. His chances may depend on whether Brett Emerton is picked, and in what position.
Danny Vukovic wouldn’t be out of place but has stiff competition.
Sydney FC
Brett Emerton might return to the Roos, more on his experience than recent form, but it’s impossible to consider anybody else, which sums up their season so far.
Wellington Phoenix
The ever dependable Andrew Durante wouldn’t be out of place in green and gold, but there has been recent speculation he might be selected for the All Whites when he becomes a Kiwi next year.
Will be an interesting dilemma if Durante is selected here.
Western Sydney Wanderers
On their form this season, central defensive pair Michael Beauchamp and Nikolai Topor-Stanley deserve to be under consideration, but my thoughts are that Tony Popovic’s compact system does much to protect both and help them stay in touch.
A more expansive system, if that’s what Osieck is likely to use, might expose them, while their distribution remains a concern, with the Roos likely to dominate possession.
Less of a risk on the ball is the gifted midfielder Aaron Mooy, able to play as a holder or more advanced. James Holland was one of the more impressive performers last week, and Mooy has the potential to play a similar role in Hong Kong.
Tony’s A-League essentials
Goalkeepers
Eugene Galekovic
Mat RyanDefenders
Michael Marrone
Josh Risdon
Trent Sainsbury
Andrew Durante
Mark Milligan
Michael Thwaite
Aziz BehichMidfielders
Brett Emerton
Aaron Mooy
Erik Paartalu
Mitch Nichols
Craig Goodwin
Dario Vidosic
Richard GarciaStrikers
Tom Rogic
Archie Thompson
Ben Halloran
Announced squad
Socceroos Provisional Squad for EAFF East Asian Cup Qualifiers
Terry ANTONIS Sydney FC
Eli BABALJ FK Crvena Zvezda Beograd
Aziz BEHICH Melbourne Heart FC
Robert CORNTHWAITE Chunnam Dragons
Dino DJULBIC Guizhou Renhe
Ivan FRANJIC Brisbane Roar FC
Brett EMERTON Sydney FC
Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk) Adelaide United
Richard GARCIA Melbourne Heart
Rostyn GRIFFITHS
Ben HALLORAN Brisbane Roar
Scott JAMIESON Perth Glory
Osama MALIK Adelaide United
Michael MARRONE Melbourne Heart
Matt McKAY Busan I Park
Mark MILLIGAN Melbourne Victory
Aaron MOOY Western Sydney Wanderers
Tom ROGIC Central Coast Mariners
Mat RYAN (gk) Central Coast Mariners
Matt SMITH Brisbane Roar
Adam TAGGART Newcastle Jets
Archie THOMPSON Melbourne Victory
Michael THWAITE Perth Glory
Dario Vidosic Adelaide United
Luke WILKSHIRE FK Dinamo Moscow
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