On paper the Socceroos face their easiest assignment in more than a year against Saudi Arabia but skipper Mile Jedinak insists they’re preparing as they would against Spain or the Netherlands.
After an arduous run of five straight defeats against some of the world’s best sides, Australia find themselves in the unfamiliar position of carrying firm favouritism into Monday’s (Tuesday AEST) friendly match in London.
World No.83 Saudi Arabia is the lowest-ranked team the Socceroos have met since losing to China at last year’s East Asian Cup but a tunnel vision approach under Ange Postecoglou means their preparation won’t differ from recent outings at the World Cup or last week’s loss to fifth-ranked Belgium.
“With what we’ve been doing the last six-to-eight months, every game, every opponent has been treated in the same manner,” Jedinak said on Sunday.
“We work on a daily basis, trying to implement a philosophy and a style of play against any opponent and I don’t think (this match) is going to be any different.”
A 2-0 loss to Belgium last week extended Australia’s losing run to a record-equalling five straight games, but there has been little panic considering the strength of opposition.
Monday’s match at Fulham’s Craven Cottage presents a tricky challenge in that Postecoglou’s side will be expected to deliver a win but Jedinak denies there is an added weight of expectation.
“Every time we step out on the pitch, there’s pressure,” the Crystal Palace captain said.
“Of course we want to go out there and get a result, it’s what you want to do when you represent your country.
“But is there more pressure than any other time? Not particularly.”
Postecoglou expects to have close to a full bill of health for the match, with defender Chris Herd and exciting attacker Mathew Leckie likely to be available despite missing training with knocks on Friday.
Postecoglou also revealed 22-year-old Bailey Wright would make his senior debut with a starting role at centre back while young playmaker Massimo Luongo will also play from the beginning.
The coach hopes to give the likes of left back Brad Smith and striker Tomi Juric more game time after both came off the bench against Belgium.
Saudi Arabia missed World Cup qualification and were beaten by Moldova and Georgia in their past two friendlies but Postecoglou believes they are embracing a new style under Spanish coach Lopez Caro.
“They’re pretty aggressive in their pressing and the way they want to close down the opposition,” Postecoglou said.
“We expect it to be, particularly early on, fairly high-tempo and fairly intense, so it’ll be a good challenge for us.”
Australia will face Asian opposition for the first time since the loss to China as they build towards an Asian Cup campaign starting against group opponents Kuwait, Oman and South Korea.
AUSTRALIA v SAUDI ARABIA
Monday September 8, 8pm (0500 Tuesday AEST)
Friendly match
Craven Cottage, London
World rankings: Australia 79, Saudi Arabia 83
Head to head: Australia 3, drawn 1, Saudi Arabia 1
Last meeting: Australia bt Saudi Arabia 4-2, Melbourne, Feb 2012
Odds: Australia $1.57, Draw $3.65, Saudi Arabia $5.85
Possible Socceroos line-up: Mat Ryan (gk), Jason Davidson, Alex Wilkinson, Bailey Wright, Josh Brillante, Mile Jedinak (capt), Massimo Luongo, Mark Bresciano, Tommy Oar, Mathew Leckie, Tim Cahill.
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