As the second round of the AFC World Cup qualifiers kicks off, all eyes are on the highly anticipated clash between Australia vs Bangladesh scheduled for Thursday evening. In this comprehensive preview, we delve into the team dynamics, recent performances, key statistics, and offer a well-reasoned prediction for this crucial encounter.
Australia’s Resurgence
Australia, perennial contenders on the international stage, find themselves in Group I alongside Lebanon, Palestine, and the underdog, Bangladesh. After a commendable performance in the last World Cup, where they qualified from Group D behind eventual champions France, the Socceroos are on a mission to solidify their standing. Their recent 2-0 victory over New Zealand showcases a positive turn after a brief winless spell, emphasizing their determination to dominate.
Head-to-Head Dominance
Australia’s historical dominance over Bangladesh is evident from their previous encounters in 2015, where they triumphed convincingly with 5-0 and 4-0 victories. Such past performances undoubtedly position Australia as clear favorites in this upcoming clash.
Bangladesh’s Upward Trajectory
On the contrary, Bangladesh enters the competition as the ranked outsiders, currently standing at 183rd in the world standings and 38th in the region. However, recent form indicates resilience, with an unbeaten streak in their last four matches, including a noteworthy 3-2 aggregate victory over the Maldives in the first round. Despite their impressive run in the SAFF Championship, this fixture against Australia presents an undeniable leap in class.
Key Player Formations
Understanding the recent form of both teams is crucial for predicting the outcome. Australia’s last five matches have seen mixed results, winning only one and facing a challenging defeat against Argentina. On the other hand, Bangladesh’s resilience is evident, remaining unbeaten in their last four games, showcasing their ability to withstand tough opposition.
Missing Players and Key Points
Examining the missing players and key points further adds depth to our analysis. Australia’s recent struggles, winning only one of their last five matches and failing to secure a seven-goal margin victory since 2016, raise questions about their current form. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s impressive statistic of not losing by a seven-goal margin in their last 55 games showcases their defensive prowess.
Prediction and Handicap Analysis
In light of these factors, our prediction leans heavily in favor of Australia. However, considering Bangladesh’s recent resilience, we anticipate a more competitive match than some may expect. Our suggested handicap for this clash is Bangladesh +7, indicating our belief that the visitors can keep the margin of defeat below seven goals.
Best Betting Odds
For those looking to engage in sports betting on this match, we recommend checking the latest odds on reputable platforms like jitabet.
- Bangladesh to win: 1.01
- Draw: 23.00
- Maldives to win: 80.00
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