It’s do or die for the Matildas on Monday night when they take on Canada in their third and final group stage match at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Superstar Sam Kerr is likely to return from injury for this crucial matchup, which could prove to be exactly the boost the Aussies need.
We preview Monday night’s Canada vs Australia fixture below and provide our best bet. Good luck to everyone following!
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Betting Tips
Canada vs Australia
Monday 8pm AEST, AAMI Park (Melbourne)
This Group B fixture features the two highest ranked nations of the group, with #7 ranked Canada taking on #10 ranked Australia. A win or a draw on Monday night will send the Canadians through to the knockout phase, while only a win will keep the Matildas World Cup campaign alive.
Canada
Possible Lineup – Sheridan; Riviere, Buchanan, Gilles, Lawrence; Fleming, Quinn, Gross; Huitema, Leon, Sinclair
Canada went behind an early goal against the Republic of Ireland in their second group match and their chances of progressing through to the knockout stages looked shaky at best. However, the Canucks were able to fight their way back into the game, show their quality on the ball, and eventually come away with a 2-1 win.
The Canucks won’t be shying away from the moment on Monday night and know what it takes to perform in big matches – they are the reigning Olympic champions after all. However, some of their key players are now past their prime and their form heading into this tournament, as well as their play during their opening two matches, hasn’t been at the same high standard that’s seen them achieve success at major tournaments in the past.
Australia
Possible Lineup – Arnold; Carpenter, Hunt, Kennedy, Catley; Gorry, Cooney-Cross; Raso, Foord, Vine; Kerr
After securing a 1-0 win against the Republic of Ireland in their opening group match, Australia looked well on their way to securing a spot in the final 16 when they led Nigeria 1-0 during the first half of their second outing. However, unexpectedly, the Nigerians were able to pile on three goals in a row to stun what was raucous crowd at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Simply, the Matildas have to win on Monday night to reach the knockout phase, and their chances of doing just that look set to receive a massive boost with captain and superstar striker Sam Kerr available to play. Kerr missed the opening two group matches with a calf injury but has declared herself fit to play, which is welcome news for Australians to say the least.
Match Prediction
These two nations have faced each other four times in total including twice in the past 12 months and the Canadians have had the upper hand on each occasion. Their most recent matchup was in a friendly last year with the Canadians winning 2-1, although it’s important to note the Australians led most of the key statistics in that match including shot attempts (10-5). Also, since the last meeting between these teams, Australia have won 10/12 matches, whereas Canada have won just 5/11.
Due to far superior form over the past eight months coupled with home ground/crowd advantage, the Matildas will enter this fixture as the favourites (currently $2.25) which is more than fair in my opinion. Yes, their recent defeat against Nigeria was disappointing, but they still had the majority of the match played on their terms and if Sam Kerr had been the one on the end of all of the crosses/balls into the box, the final score would’ve looked very different.
With everything to play for, Kerr injected into the lineup, and a packed crowd at AAMI Park willing them on, I believe the Matildas are great value to win and progress through to the knockout stage.
