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Tomi Juric in action against Iraq in Tehran last week. 

By TAS MAVRIDIS

Australia’s qualification for the 2018 World Cup is at risk, with the Socceroos sitting in a precarious position in their qualifying group in the lead up to Russia 2018.

The Socceroos face a make or break game in Sydney on Tuesday against the United Arab Emirates, to ensure they can finish top two to automatically qualify for Russia.

Next match:Australia vs United Arab EmiratesTuesday, March 28, in SydneyKick off at 8pm AEDST

After a promising start to the campaign with two wins, the Socceroos sit in third position, managing to draw their previous four matches.

With three home games to play, as well as a trip to old foes Japan, time is running out. The Socceroos currently occupy a playoff position spot in third place and with games remaining against their closest rivals, the finishing positions are well and truly up for grabs.

What has gone wrong so far?

After two early wins, Australia has only managed four draws since. The first two of these were against Saudi Arabia and Japan, games Australia was expecting to be the most challenging.

One main reason that Australia has struggled so far has been their vulnerability in defence. Despite having the vast majority of possession in all of the matches, Australia has been caught out many times on the break.

Even with the back four, Australia seemed to be easily exposed in their attempts to push and play a more attractive style of football.

Coach Ange Postecoglou’s shift to a back three against Iraq didn’t help the cause, with Australia looking particularly exposed on the wings.

This is how Iraq managed to score their goal after a cross from out wide and if the same deficiencies are present, Australia will struggle.

Furthermore, the Socceroos are still unable to put away teams and games that they are dominating.

With the Socceroos dominating possession and attacking opportunities, it is critical that they take these chances.

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James Troisi may get a recall to replace the suspended Aaron Mooy.

What changes will Postecoglou make to his line-up?

Key midfielder Aaron Mooy has been suspended and one of the players Postecoglou may recall is James Troisi.

The Asian Cup hero came off the bench in Tehran, however his exploits as an attacking midfielder for the Victory this season should see him earn a start.

With the back three looking exposed against Iraq, it’s likely they will revert to a back four in the backline.

Despite not playing since his move to Italian giant club Inter Milan, Trent Sainsbury may come in. As one Australia’s best centre back, Postecoglou would likely have earmarked him for one game.

This would leave Postecoglou with several options to pair with Sainsbury. Traditional centre backs in Bailey Wright or Milos Degenek.

Alternatively, captain Mile Jedinak has played for club side Aston Villa as a centre back and slotted in very nicely.

Whether Postecoglou will want to adopt a similar tactic we must wait and see.

With forward Mathew Leckie scoring his first goal in several months, Postecoglou will be hoping that he can carry this form into this crucial clash.

Up top, Australia’s main threats will come in the form of Tomi Juric and the experienced Tim Cahill.

Both players pose significant dangers in the air with crosses coming in.

With this being the main cause of threat in the reverse meeting, expect the likes of Troisi, Leckie and the full backs to bombard the UAE box with crosses.

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Tim Cahill scores against UAE last year.

NEXT MATCH – Tuesday, March 28

Australia vs United Arab Emirates, in Sydney 
Kick off: 8pm AEDST

Last time they met: UAE 0-1 AUSTRALIA (Cahill 75’)

Player to watch (UAE):  OMAR ABDULRAHMAN
Considered one of Asia’s finest players, Abdulrahman has rebuffed interest from Europe on several occasions, with some questioning if he has the desire to make it at the highest level. Nevertheless, his ability to pick passes from all distances and to weave through opposition players means Australia must close him down quickly. He shone previously in Australia during the 2015 Asian Cup where the UAE finished third, losing to Australia in the semi-final. Australia will require a similar performance and awareness to prevent the UAE’s star player from dictating the game.

THE AUSTRALIAN SQUAD

Goalkeepers
Mathew RYAN (Genk, Belgium), Mitchell LANGERAK (Stuttgart, Germany), Danny VUKOVIC (Sydney FC, Australia)*.

Defenders
Aziz BEHICH (Bursaspor, Turkey), Milos DEGENEK (Yokohama F Marinos, Japan), Rhyan GRANT (Sydney FC, Australia)*, Trent Sainsbury (Inter Milan, Italy), Brad Smith (AFC Bournemouth, England), Bailey Wright (Bristol City, England).

Midfielders
Mustafa AMINI (AGF, Denmark)*, Jackson IRVINE (Burton Albion, England), Mile JEDINAK (Aston Villa, England), Massimo LUONGO (QPR, England), Riley McGREE (Adelaide United, Australia) , Mark MILLIGAN (Baniyas FC, UAE), Aaron MOOY (Huddersfield Town, England)**, Rhys WILLIAMS (Perth Glory, Australia).

Forwards
Tim CAHILL (Melbourne City, Australia), Nathan BURNS (FC Tokyo, Japan), Tomi JURIC (FC Luzern, Switzerland), Robbie KRUSE (Liaoning Whowin, China), James TROISI (Melbourne Victory, Australia), Mathew LECKIE (Ingolstadt 04, Germany).

*= Uncapped
**= Suspended