Bahrain vs Australia Preview: Team News & Prediction

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Australia travel to Riffa with revenge in mind after Bahrain struck an early dagger to their hopes of a top two finish in Group C back in September with a shocking 0-1 victory in Queensland

Kick-off date/time: Tuesday November 19th 2024: UK – 6:15pm / US ET – 2:15pm / US PT – 11:15am

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – Bet365 & FIFA+ / US – FIFA+

Bahrain Preview: Hosts four without a win following memorable Aussie triumph

Bahrain suffered heartbreak at the hands of China PR in their last match, conceding a late goal to lose 0-1, which ironically was the same fate they inflicted upon Australia earlier in the third round. That was their first ever victory over the Socceroos and is the main reason Bahrain remain in the qualification mix with just a point between them and the top four.

Australia Preview: Saudi Arabia six-pointer ends goalless

Australia’s crunch showdown with Saudi Arabia ended in a 0-0 draw, meaning it’s now a win and two draws for Tony Popovic since becoming head coach. The Socceroos’ defeat at the hands of Bahrain back in early September turned out to be the beginning of the end for previous boss Graham Arnold and that result even now is one which Australia are still suffering the consequences from when looking at the Group C table.

Bahrain Team News: Red card rules out Al-Hayam

PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Lutfalla; Benaddi, Al-Shamsan, Saeed; Emmanuel, Al-Asfoor, Haram, Marhoon; Madan, Adbuljabbar, Al-Aswad

UNAVAILABLE: Al-Hayam (Suspended)

QUESTIONABLE: 

Australia Team News: Velupillay misses out, but Goodwin returns

PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Gauci; Burgess, Souttar, Rowles; Miller, O’Neill, Irvine, Behich; McGree, Duke, Goodwin

UNAVAILABLE: Velupillay (Injured)

QUESTIONABLE: 

Key Stats

• Prior to Bahrain’s 1-0 victory in September 2024, Australia had won all the previous six international matches between these two teams.
• Although they have not won in their last four World Cup qualifying matches (D2 L2), Bahrain have still lost only two of their last nine fixtures in the qualifiers (W3 D4).
• Australia have lost only one of their last 13 World Cup qualifying matches (W8 D4). However, that was a 1-0 home defeat against Bahrain in September 2024.
• Australia have lost only two of their last 18 international matches (W12 D4).
• Australia have kept nine clean sheets in their last 12 World Cup qualifying matches.

Bahrain vs Australia Prediction

Although it was two and a half months ago now, the loss at home to Bahrain will not have been forgotten about in a hurry by the Australian players and now under a different head coach, they will be expected to gain much-needed revenge. Saudi Arabia will have played before the Socceroos so the likelihood is that they will kick-off in Riffa having been knocked down to third-place in Group C. Australia have shown themselves to be significantly stronger under Tony Popovic and this time, should get the three points over Bahrain.

Bahrain vs Australia Tip: Australia to win