China vs Australia WCQ soccer betting tips – November 17, 2021

The Socceroos will look to get back in the winners’ column this Wednesday morning (AEDT) when they face China in their first of the return fixtures in the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifying.

Last week’s 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia was enough to keep both sides in the top two places in Group B, with the undefeated Saudis three points ahead at the summit.

Japan’s 1-0 win over Vietnam last time out means they sit just one point behind Australia, so Graham Arnold’s men cannot afford to drop any more points in matches where they are clear favourites.

The Socceroos will be missing Harry Souttar for the trip to Sharjah in the UAE, as the big defender underwent scans last week on a knee injury sustained during the draw with Saudi Arabia.

Ryan McGowan and Bailey Wright have been called into the squad as a result, while fringe forward Andrew Nabbout was released from international duty ahead of Melbourne City’s FFA Cup tie with South Melbourne last Friday.

China did enough against Oman last week to halve the points, but they will need to show a lot more than that in the run home if they wish to enter the qualification frame.

Li Tie’s side sit fifth out of the six teams in Group B, with their only other points coming in a 3-2 victory over the winless Vietnam at the start of October.

China vs Socceroos WCQ betting predictions

Total goals: Over 2.5

If the Socceroos really want to be a factor at the 2022 World Cup, they have to make hay in fixtures like this. The Aussies beat China 3-0 in the reverse fixture in Doha, so it is not unreasonable to expect a similar outcome this week in Sharjah. The absence of Aaron Mooy and Tom Rogic might have scared off some punters, but there is value about the overs here.

Anytime goalscorer: Martin Boyle

With five goals in nine appearances for Australia, Martin Boyle has made a fair fist of his chance at international level. The Scotland-born winger found the back of the net when these teams met in Qatar at the start of September, and he was on the scoresheet again in the 3-1 win over Oman a month later, so it is hard to knock his form in the Gulf.

Same game multi: 3 legs @ $4.50

Australia should win and win easily, so it is worth taking the overs as well as the outright result. Throw in Marty Boyle to score at anytime for a three-legger that pays a handy $4.50 at Sportsbet.