The Socceroos will travel to Thailand on Tuesday night to continue their campaign in the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2018 Russia World Cup. They will face off against the Thai in Rajamangala starting at 11pm AEDT. Australia currently sit second on the table of Group B, wedged between their toughest opponents in the group, Saudi Arabia and Japan. Only three points separate the top three teams, and with the other two facing off in this week’s clash, Australia will be looking to pull clear of one if not both with a win over the Thai.
Thailand is the last of the group the Aussies will face before the return legs begin. They currently have four losses from four games, giving up a massive -9 goal difference in the process. Australia started their pool play with two wins over Iraq and the U.A.E but since then have only managed two draws with Japan and Saudi Arabia, leaving the top two automatic qualification spots still very much up for grabs.
The Aussies will travel to Thailand without star striker Tim Cahill, who has been rested for this match, while other injuries have meant Coach Ange Postecoglou has had to reach into the Hyundai A-League and beyond for talent for the clash in Rajamangala. Brisbane Roar’s Jamie MacLaren and Melbourne City’s Luke Brattan will slot into the side in Cahill and Massimo Luongo’s absence, while Apo Giannaou and Mark Birighitti of international leagues will replace Tom Juric and Mitch Lengerak.
Thailand have a lot to play for in this match as well, while they may be out of contention to qualify for the world cup, pride is still on the line as they will not want to go without a win in the qualifiers. There is also the added factor of the Thailand Soccer Association offering the squad a 10-million-baht bonus ($400,000) if they were to beat Australia on Tuesday night. If that’s not incentive than I don’t know what is. It seems the president of the association was questioning their desire after an 0-4 start to the campaign.
"I know that anything can happen in the match but I want [the Thai team] to play with their heart" Somyot Poompunmuang told local media on Saturday.
Incentive accounted for, I still think the Aussies will be way to strong for the Thai on Tuesday night, they are clearly the class team in the group despite their draws to the Saudi and Japanese. The Thai have a knack for leaking ugly goals, and constant pressure from the Aussies all night should be too much for them. I don’t see much value in the H2H market but the Australians should easily win this by at least two goals. It seems that I'm not alone in thinking that the Aussies should blow this one out, Sportsbet report that 98% of the money placed on this match has been in the Aussies favour, with some punters going as far as saying the Aussies will win by 8, 9 or 10 to nill.
TIP: Australia -1 - $1.83 at Sportsbet
With strikers Tom Juric and Tim Cahill sidelined, scoring responsibility will be left to A-League inclusion Jamie MacLaren, he has been in hot form for Brisbane of late and could continue his scoring streak in this one.
TIP: Jamie MacLaren to score anytime - $1.80 at Sportsbet
Sportsbet also have a great offer on for the game, if you place a correct score bet and your team wins but by the wrong score, you'll get up to $50 back in bonus bets. Due to this, I'll be taking Australia to win this one 3-0. Australia won against Iraq and the U.A.E both 2-0 and 3-0 respectively and I see this game going in a similar direction.
TIP: Australia to win 3-0 - $8.50 at Sportsbet
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
