Socceroos short favourites for Saudi Arabia WCQ clash

PUNTERS are jumping all over Australia to beat Saudi Arabia in Thursday night’s World Cup qualifying clash in Adelaide.

Online bookmaker Sportsbet.com.au claims to have taken 20 times more bets on the Socceroos.

They are paying a mere -250 for the win, with 2-0 the best backed scoreline at +550.

The Saudis have blown out to +750, even though they are tied on points with Japan at the top of Group B.

The Aussies, while still unbeaten in the third round of qualifying, are three points further back.

The top two teams in each group will progress straight to the final 32 at Russia 2018, while the third-placed teams must navigate the playoff rounds.

With a potentially decisive blockbuster against the Japanese still to come, this is shaping up as a pivotal point in Australia’s World Cup campaign.

“This is a huge match for the Socceroos, they really need to win to stay in touch in their group,” said Sportsbet’s Will Byrne.

“It’s not surprising the massive punter support they have received as they’re unbeaten and back on home soil.”

Tomi Juric and Jamie MacLaren are the +450 top picks in the first goalscorer betting, although it remains to be seen whether either will make the starting XI.

Coach Ange Postecoglou has given no clues about how the Socceroos will line up, and captain Mile Jedinak revealed on Wednesday that the players were no better informed than the general public.

“We don’t really know the team until match day,” he said on Adelaide radio.

“It’s a thing that keeps everybody on their toes and allows people to prepare as if they’re starting no matter what.

“Obviously there’s only 11 shirts up for grabs for that starting position.

“But we’re always made aware that you might not start the game however you may make the biggest impact in the game when you do come on.”

Among those hoping for a guernsey on Thursday is Jackson Irvine.

The Burton Albion midfielder, who recently turned down a lucrative offer to play in China, started against both Iraq and the UAE back in March.

“You want to be involved in as much play as you can,” Irvine told the press this week.

“But I also recognise the talent and ability that we possess in this team.

“If my role is to play from the bench and be more of an impact player, or to play from the start, my mentality won’t change.”

The clash with Saudi Arabia is scheduled to kick off at 7:30pm ACST (8pm AEST) on Thursday, June 8 at Adelaide Oval.

Australia vs. Saudi Arabia WCQ betting

All odds provided by Sportsbet.com.au

Win-draw-win

-250 – Australia

+350 – Draw

+750 – Saudi Arabia

Handicap betting

+110 – Australia -1

+230 – Draw -1

+188 – Saudi Arabia +1

First goalscorer odds

+450 – Tomi Juric, Jamie MacLaren

+500 – Tim Cahill

+650 – Robbie Kruse

+700 – Tom Rogic

+900 – Jackson Irvine

+1000 – Mile Jedinak, Matthew Leckie, Aaron Mooy, James Troisi

+1100 – Mohammad Al-Sahlawi, Nasser Al-Shamrani

+1200 – Abdulmajeed Al-Ruwaili

+1400 – Massimo Luongo, Mark Milligan

+1800 – Fawad Al-Muwallad, Yahya Al-Shehri, Taisir Al-Jassam

(Others quoted)

Will Australia qualify for 2018 World Cup?

-277.78 – Yes

+200 – No

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