Ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup 2018 qualifier between Australia and UAE, we look at five key battles.
Who do you think will come out on top and what do you make of our key battles?
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AHMED KHALIL v MARK MILLIGAN
If the Al Ahli striker passes a late fitness test on a calf problem, he will need to swiftly rediscover his lethal form. If even half-fit, expect him to better Bani Yas’ Milligan in his unfamiliar centre-back role.
ALI MABKHOUT v TRENT SAINSBURY
Striker Mabkhout has fired blanks in qualifying, despite destroying the Arabian Gulf League. Sainsbury has struggled for game time at Intenrazionale, yet his class as Asia’s best defender should tell.
OMAR ABDULRAHMAN v BRAD SMITH
‘Amoory’ did not play like the 2016 AFC Player of the Year against Japan, going missing in another big game. But back him to prosper this time against a wing-back rarely utilised by Bournemouth.
KHAMIS ESMAIL v MILE JEDINAK
This titanic clash in one to cherish. These two players are colossal figures in the centre midfields of Asian football. Esmail was back to his best against Japan, meaning he is the form man.
MOHAMED SALEM v TIM CAHILL
Veteran forward Cahill isn’t likely to start, but his nous off the bench caught out the UAE and Salem in September. With the centre-back recently shaky, back Cahill to pounce.