Australia vs Nepal
In the middle of the week Australia will play the second party in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. They will face Nepal as the host at the GIO Stadium. Thursday’s (10/10) afternoon match must end with a win in an attempt to rise to the top.
The Kangaroo team opened their campaign with a convincing victory, 0-3, at home to Kuwait. Mathew Leckie became a star in this match through a brace donation, while an additional goal was scored by Aaron Mooy. Australia did appear more dominant than the host with 6 shots on target from 59% possession which was only replied 2 times.
Nepal itself began their journey with an embarrassing defeat, 7-0, at home to Kuwait. It was only in the second week they won 0-2 at the Taiwan headquarters. Anjan Bista became MOTM after buying up all the goals in minutes 3 ‘and 63’.
This midweek match can be said to be a test of consistency for Nepal. Reflecting on the data above, Australia should be able to win easily because it managed to beat Kuwait with a landslide score at home, while the host won big when entertaining Nepal. Graham Arnold’s men did bring enough experience to Group B after successfully breaking through the Asian Cup quarter-finals. Unfortunately, their journey only got there because they lost to the UAE through a single goal.
Currently Australia is still lining up in second place with only goal difference from Kuwait at the top. An additional three points in tomorrow’s game will open up opportunities to climb there, while awaiting Jordan’s results against Kuwait.
Our Prediction: Over 2.5
Odds: 1.12