The injury of
Jozy Altidore could be pivotal for the Aussies chances of beating the USA. The young American striker suffered a sprained ankle during training Wednesday and is doubtful for Saturday's friendly. Australia are known for their physical strength and Altidore may have been the US's best weapon against a tough defensive side.
This match will be the last for both teams before starting their World Cup campaigns and the managers will be looking to fine-tune their starting lineups.
Bob Bradley looks to be going with his typical 4-4-2 while
Pim Verbeek should opt for a more defense minded 4-2-3-1.
United States Projected Line Up:Howard - Cherundolo, Onyewu, DeMerit, Bocanegra - Holden, Edu, Bradley, Donovan - Buddle, Dempsey
Australia Projected Line Up:Schwarzer - Wilkshire, Moore, Neill, Chipperfield - Grella, Culina, Emerton, Cahill, Kewell - Kennedy
Two mediocre performances against New Zealand and Denmark have left Verbeek looking to bolster his squad into an impressive performance to raise confidence levels ahead of the Socceroos opener against Germany. With Ghana and Serbia also in
Group D, the Aussies will need the boost to contend for one of the top 2 group places.
The United States lack one of their best players but still have greater quality in their side than Australia. However, the Aussies have 2 talented goalscorers in
Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell and should be dangerous in the counterattack.
Australia is very strong both defensively and in the midfield and will not be easy for the US to break down. Expect a tightly contended game, but in the end the
United States should not lose here.
United States - Australia
Saturday 5 June, 2010
Kickoff: 1:30 PM (GMT)
Venue: Ruimsig Stadium (Johannesburg)
Tip: United States +0 (Asian Handicap)
Best Odds: 1.75 @ Betfair
