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Australia will look to secure qualification to the Round of 16 of the Asian Cup when they take on Syria on Thursday.
The Socceroos put in a sluggish first up group stage performance as they struggled to break down India, but goals from Jackson Irvine and Jordan Bos eventually gave them a 2-0 win.
Syria meanwhile were able to hold Uzbekistan to a 0-0 draw in their opening match; they were forced to do much of the defending, something they can expect once again against Australia.
Here, we look at all the latest betting odds, predictions, injury news and analysis for Syria vs Australia in the Asian Cup 2023.
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Syria vs. Australia team news and lineups
The biggest positive from Australia’s win over India is that captain and first-choice goalkeeper Mat Ryan was able to start the match whilst wearing a protective mask as he continues to recover from a fractured cheekbone.
MORE: Socceroos vs. India score, result, highlights as Irvine, Bos help Australia record Asian Cup group win
Gethin Thomas was solid on his international debut at right-back, whilst Bos may have played his way into a starting spot with his goal off the bench, as well as Australia’s attacking struggles against a low-block defence.
These struggles may also see Riley McGree – who got an assist on Saturday – enter the midfield in place of Keanu Baccus
Syria coach Hector Cuper has no injury or suspension concerns heading into the match, with Syria’s back four performing well against Uzbekistan; they will likely set up in a defensive shape and look to frustrate Australia in the same way India did.
Watch every match of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 only on Paramount+
Syria vs. Australia analysis, prediction and betting odds
The first time these countries faced off only came back in World Cup qualifiers in 2017, and it almost saw a massive upset.
In the two-legged AFC Fourth Round play-off, Syria came close to eliminating Australia in Sydney after taking the lead in the second leg; Tim Cahill would equalise before scoring the go-ahead goal in extra-time.
However Syria almost progressed over the then Asian champions with the last kick of the game, when they hit the post with a free-kick, had that gone in, they would have progressed over Australia on away-goals rule.
Their next meeting came in the 2019 Asian Cup, where they once again proved to be a tricky adversary for Australia, though the Socceroos were able to win 3-2.
Syria’s form has been more patchy in recent times with just one win in their last five matches, and if Australia can sort out their attacking issues for this match, they should be able to secure victory.
The Sporting News
How to watch Syria vs. Australia: TV channel, live stream for Asian Cup
The second match of Group B is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. local time at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, which is a 10:30 pm AEDT kick off.
It has already hosted two games at the tournament, including Syria’s opening match, and will host five more including a Round of 16 tie.
All of the Socceroos’ Asian Cup games will be shown on free-to-air via Network 10, and will be streamed on both on 10Play and Paramount+.