Bahrain preview

The Socceroos flew into Sydney airport today as heroes, and immediately began their preparations for Wednesday night’s match against Bahrain. Pim was quick to confirm that the Green and Gold will not be taking the last two matches lightly, and that he will field full teams barring injuries and suspensions.

It was music to the ears for fans who have bought tickets for the games, but I believe that this is the perfect opportunity to give the fringe players a chance. I will personally have no qualms if the second string side takes the field, as I believe that they will be out to impress Pim and will be full energy and commitment anyway (if wearing the Green and Gold isn’t reason enough).

With this in mind, I think that the team should be:

GK – Brad Jones
RB – Jade North
CB – Matt Spiranovic
CB – Rhys Williams
LB – David Carney
CM – Mile Jedinak
CM – Vinnie Grella
RM – Richard Garcia
LM – Mile Sterjovski
FC – Bruce Djite
FC – Scott McDonald

Grella, Sterjovski and McDonald make the starting XI because they would need some experienced leadership out there, and then maybe bring on Mark Milligan, Shane Stefanutto (as LB and push Carney into LM) and Nick Carle/Dario Vidosic a bit later in the match.

In an article for Soccernet, Jason Dasey pointed out the worrying fact that a significant number of the squad will be the other side of 30 when the World Cup rolls around, so Pim must take these matches as opportunities to blood the younger members.

In other news, Lucas Neill admitted that the assault charge he nearly brought on himself late in the Qatar match was because he deliberately wanted to get a yellow, thereby ensuring that he gets to play the Japan match in Melbourne. Going into the Qatar match sitting on a yellow already, Neill’s late challenge on the Qatari captain meant that he would be suspended for Bahrain, therefore clearing him with a clean slate against the Japanese.

Finally, is anyone going to the Bahrain game? I will be, and if you come see me I’ll shout you a round. Look out for me, I’ll be the guy in the Socceroos jersey…

Full team or second string? Thoughts? Comments?