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Socceroos vs Venezuela/ Colombia Nov 25

How should Australia do November?

  • European based camp

    Votes: 23 71.9%

  • Australian based camp

    Votes: 6 18.8%

  • Middle East based camp

    Votes: 2 6.3%

  • Nothing

    Votes: 1 3.1%
  • Total voters
    32
Cunningstunt said:
The quick debuts v hard line is interesting. For Teague, Velupillay, Okon people attributed it to him playing favourites in some way. For Triantis, Segacic, Devlin, Ballard, it is attributed to some type of malice or unfairly making them earn it. The evidence for either of these appears to be non existent.

Then you have the example of Italiano, who came in first camp and was picked immediately despite no past connection (I don't think they crossed paths at Glory). Popa has stated consistently he wants to see a certain standard met in camp and some players take longer to adjust to this. As a fan it's disappointing not to see some of these guys though.
Click to expand...
I definitely don't adhere to the thought Poppa is playing favourites. That's loudest from some Nisbet fans who thinks he's holding some kinda grudge. Total conspiracy stuff imo.

I do think many of his selection decisions are questionable though. I think we've left some of our better players out or underutilised.
 
Quicky said:
I don't mind Poppa looking at different players but how he managed the details was poor imo.

I think its better to bring in new players to a team with structure and experience. The team for the Venezuela game was too inexperienced for e.g.

Okon Jr. didn't impress me. I think he's a good player but senior NT is a stretch atm.

Trewin - I think I'd need to rewatch his game. I thought defensively shaky from first watch. I'll take your word on his distribution, that's encouraging.

I've been frustrated Popovic has handed out quick debuts for some and taken a hard line on others. Take the approach to Segecic, Triantis v Okon, Daggers for e.g.

Not playing Devlin given his form was frustrating and a missed opportunity.
Click to expand...
In my mind we are not close to the final squad. I'm hoping to see something close in March. We are still early in the season for many leagues. Plenty of games for people to put there hands up for selection, particularly those coming back from injury. Conversely we should all be holding our breath hoping many certain starters don't succumb to injury before the World Cup.

I have been disappointed with the squads chosen, not with the number of changes, just the relook at journeymen that multiple managers have already passed over and players that have gone missing when the going gets tough despite being talented (Hrustic) and the look at players that haven't really done any work at a senior level. By March that may change.

Based purely on the fact that we could pick a team with more players established in high-quality European leagues, many in their prime physical years, and promising young talent making strides abroad on paper we have a better cohort than the official 2022 World Cup squad. Will Poppa pick it. I hope so - and I hope we do in March.

If we pick the right squad and Popovic uses the squad correctly we have quarterfinal potential (given a reasonable draw). If the wrong squad is picked, if the squad is used incorrectly or if we have an awful draw then we could well not make the round of 32. At least we will find out the draw soon.

I actually like that we are looking at younger players - but they have to deserve the callup. Some that miss out this time will come into the Asian cup and the next World Cup cycle. Irvine, Boyle, Duke and Goodwin won't even be in the conversation.

I currently have my own squad with an age of just over 25. Given another 4 years of those players playing at a high level 2030 might be a good time to follow the Socceroos.

Quicky said:
I definitely don't adhere to the thought Poppa is playing favourites. That's loudest from some Nisbet fans who thinks he's holding some kinda grudge. Total conspiracy stuff imo.

I do think many of his selection decisions are questionable though. I think we've left some of our better players out or underutilised.
Click to expand...

I really don't think people think that. It just explains the stupidity of ignoring him when he is the obvious answer and looking everywhere else.
 
Last edited:
Cunningstunt said:
The quick debuts v hard line is interesting. For Teague, Velupillay, Okon people attributed it to him playing favourites in some way. For Triantis, Segacic, Devlin, Ballard, it is attributed to some type of malice or unfairly making them earn it. The evidence for either of these appears to be non existent.

Then you have the example of Italiano, who came in first camp and was picked immediately despite no past connection (I don't think they crossed paths at Glory). Popa has stated consistently he wants to see a certain standard met in camp and some players take longer to adjust to this. As a fan it's disappointing not to see some of these guys though.
Click to expand...
I think you are right about what Popovic wants, but as a fan I can't judge a players potential for myself on squad training because I'm not there. I can only judge them when I see them play for us so I'm disappointed when they don't get a decent run.
 
patjennings said:
Souttar and Circatti out until the early new year. Bos due back in the next week or two
Click to expand...
The last injury update on FotMob for Parma, listed Circati having a sprained ankle & due back late November, so hopefully that's the case - Parma definitely needs him
 
Decentric said:
Disagree.

Bozza, Foster and Slater's outbursts have been silly at times!
Click to expand...
more silly than 'goooooalllllllllll?"
We all get something different out of the game, and passion can take you to silly places at times, but the game is nothing without passion
 
  • Like
Reactions: LFC
patjennings said:
In my mind we are not close to the final squad. I'm hoping to see something close in March. We are still early in the season for many leagues. Plenty of games for people to put there hands up for selection, particularly those coming back from injury. Conversely we should all be holding our breath hoping many certain starters don't succumb to injury before the World Cup.

I have been disappointed with the squads chosen, not with the number of changes, just the relook at journeymen that multiple managers have already passed over and players that have gone missing when the going gets tough despite being talented (Hrustic) and the look at players that haven't really done any work at a senior level. By March that may change.

Based purely on the fact that we could pick a team with more players established in high-quality European leagues, many in their prime physical years, and promising young talent making strides abroad on paper we have a better cohort than the official 2022 World Cup squad. Will Poppa pick it. I hope so - and I hope we do in March.

If we pick the right squad and Popovic uses the squad correctly we have quarterfinal potential (given a reasonable draw). If the wrong squad is picked, if the squad is used incorrectly or if we have an awful draw then we could well not make the round of 32. At least we will find out the draw soon.

I actually like that we are looking at younger players - but they have to deserve the callup. Some that miss out this time will come into the Asian cup and the next World Cup cycle. Irvine, Boyle, Duke and Goodwin won't even be in the conversation.

I currently have my own squad with an age of just over 25. Given another 4 years of those players playing at a high level 2030 might be a good time to follow the Socceroos.



I really don't think people think that. It just explains the stupidity of ignoring him when he is the obvious answer and looking everywhere else.
Click to expand...
so you gonna show us this squad or what??
 
patjennings said:
In my mind we are not close to the final squad. I'm hoping to see something close in March. We are still early in the season for many leagues. Plenty of games for people to put there hands up for selection, particularly those coming back from injury. Conversely we should all be holding our breath hoping many certain starters don't succumb to injury before the World Cup.

I have been disappointed with the squads chosen, not with the number of changes, just the relook at journeymen that multiple managers have already passed over and players that have gone missing when the going gets tough despite being talented (Hrustic) and the look at players that haven't really done any work at a senior level. By March that may change.

Based purely on the fact that we could pick a team with more players established in high-quality European leagues, many in their prime physical years, and promising young talent making strides abroad on paper we have a better cohort than the official 2022 World Cup squad. Will Poppa pick it. I hope so - and I hope we do in March.

If we pick the right squad and Popovic uses the squad correctly we have quarterfinal potential (given a reasonable draw). If the wrong squad is picked, if the squad is used incorrectly or if we have an awful draw then we could well not make the round of 32. At least we will find out the draw soon.

I actually like that we are looking at younger players - but they have to deserve the callup. Some that miss out this time will come into the Asian cup and the next World Cup cycle. Irvine, Boyle, Duke and Goodwin won't even be in the conversation.

I currently have my own squad with an age of just over 25. Given another 4 years of those players playing at a high level 2030 might be a good time to follow the Socceroos.



I really don't think people think that. It just explains the stupidity of ignoring him when he is the obvious answer and looking everywhere else.
Click to expand...
Just on the Squad. I asked AI to give me a proposed 2027 Asian Cup squad with ratings and quick critique plus a starting XI. This is what they came up with


PlayerPositionAge (2027)Current Club (Nov 2025)Rating
Mathew RyanGK35Levante UD (La Liga) 8.00
Joe GauciGK27Port Vale (League One, loan from Aston Villa) 7.00
Patrick BeachGK24Melbourne City (A-League) 7.50
Harry SouttarCB29Leicester City (Championship) 8.00
Cameron BurgessCB32Swansea City (Championship) 7.50
Alessandro CircatiCB24Parma (Serie A) 7.80
Kye RowlesCB/LB29D.C. United (MLS) 7.00
Lewis MillerRB27Blackburn Rovers (Championship) 6.50
Jordy BosLB/LW25Feyenoord (Eredivisie) 8.00
Jacob FarrellLB24Portsmouth (Championship) 8.00
Kai TrewinCB/DM26Melbourne City (A-League) 6.50
Paul OkonDM22Sydney FC (A-League) 6.00
Josh NisbetCM28Roda JC (Eerste Divisie) 8.20
Max BalardDM/CM26NAC Breda (Eredivisie) 7.70
Riley McGreeAM29Middlesbrough (Championship) 7.50
Connor MetcalfeCM28FC St. Pauli (Bundesliga) 7.00
Patrick YazbekCM25Nashville SC (MLS) 6.50
Jacob ItalianoRB/LB26Grazer AK (Austrian Bundesliga) 6.00
Nestory IrankundaRW21Watford (Championship, loan from Bayern) 7.50
Mohamed ToureST23Randers FC (Superliga) 7.50
Marco TilioRW/AM26Rapid Wien (Austrian Bundesliga) 7.00
Garang KuolLW/ST23AC Sparta Prague (Czech First League) 7.50
Kusini YengiST28Aberdeen (Premiership) 7.00
Luka JovanovicST22Adelaide United (A-League) 6.00
Max CaputoST22Melbourne City (A-League)
 6.50
Archie GoodwinST23Charlotte FC (MLS) 7.50

and the starting XI

Ryan (GK)

Miller (RB) Souttar (CB) Circati (CB) Farrell (LB)

Irankunda (RW) Balard (CM) Nisbet (CM) Bos (LW)

Kuol (SS)

Toure (CF)

The reasoning

Why THIS Squad Wins the 2027 AFC Asian CupIt’s not hype. It’s the perfect storm of peak-age talent, insane chemistry, perfect tactical fit, and the exact profile that beats Asia’s big three (Japan, Korea, Iran) in knockout football.

Here’s the cold, hard case:


Reason This Squad WinsConcrete Evidence (2025–2027)How It Beats the Elite
1. The best central-midfield pairing in Asia – by a mileNisbet 8.2 + Balard 7.7 = 15.9 combined rating 10 200+ minutes together at Central Coast (treble winners) 2025 stats: highest duel win % + progressive passes of any AFC pivotJapan (Endo–Morita) and Korea (Hwang–Lee) are technically excellent but lighter. Balard–Nisbet physically bully them in 50-50s and second balls → Australia controls the centre even when Japan has 60 % possession.
2. A front four that no Asian defence can live withTouré (hold-up + spin) + Kuol (central SS lethality) + Bos + Irankunda Projected tournament output: 28–34 combined G/ATouré pins both CBs → Kuol gets 4–5 box arrivals per game → wings get genuine 1-v-1s for the first time ever at senior level. Japan and Iran have never faced this combination of physicality + speed + late runners.
3. Full-backs who win their individual battles against EVERYONEFarrell 8.0 (Championship beast) + Miller 6.5 (but physical monster)Son (35), Mitoma, Taremi, Doan — all neutralized 1-v-1. Farrell a physical but clean winger; Miller’s raw power ages Son out of games.
4. The best centre-back partnership for Asian conditionsSouttar 8.0 + Circati 7.8 Combined height 3.96 m, both progressive on the ballAerially untouchable on set pieces (Souttar) + can play out against Japan’s press (Circati Serie A seasoning). Iran’s physicality and Japan’s quick combinations both get shut down.
5. Ryan in goal for knockout penalties8.0 rating, history of saving penalties in shootouts (2015 Asian Cup final, WC playoffs)Korea and Japan both go to pens in our simulations — Ryan is the difference.
6. Bench that changes gamesGoodwin 7.5 (Golden Boot winner), Yengi 7.0 (physical monster), McGree 7.5 (flair), Burgess 7.5 (set-piece threat)No drop-off when rotating in 30 °C humidity. Japan starts to fade in extra time; Australia gets stronger.
7. Peak age curveAverage age of starting XI in 2027: 26.4 years Every key player hitting prime simultaneouslyJapan and Korea are aging in several positions (Son 35, Kim 31, Endo 34). Australia is the youngest contender with the highest ceiling.



This is what AI says

This isn’t 2015 nostalgia or 2006 vibes.
This is the first Australian squad that is simultaneously physical, technical, fast, deep, and perfectly balanced — and every single starter is in their absolute prime in January 2027.Japan might still be favourites on paper.
But on grass, in knockout football, in Saudi heat, this team wins the Asian Cup. ack it.
Australia lifts the trophy on 5 February 2027.

Still a bit hyperbolic but there is a lot of truth mixed in there
 
Last edited:
patjennings said:
Just on the Squad. I asked AI to give me a proposed 2027 Asian Cup squad with ratings and quick critique plus a starting XI. This is what they came up with


PlayerPositionAge (2027)Current Club (Nov 2025)Rating
Mathew RyanGK35Levante UD (La Liga) 8.00
Joe GauciGK27Port Vale (League One, loan from Aston Villa) 7.00
Patrick BeachGK24Melbourne City (A-League) 7.50
Harry SouttarCB29Leicester City (Championship) 8.00
Cameron BurgessCB32Swansea City (Championship) 7.50
Alessandro CircatiCB24Parma (Serie A) 7.80
Kye RowlesCB/LB29D.C. United (MLS) 7.00
Lewis MillerRB27Blackburn Rovers (Championship) 6.50
Jordy BosLB/LW25Feyenoord (Eredivisie) 8.00
Jacob FarrellLB24Portsmouth (Championship) 8.00
Kai TrewinCB/DM26Melbourne City (A-League) 6.50
Paul OkonDM22Sydney FC (A-League) 6.00
Josh NisbetCM28Roda JC (Eerste Divisie) 8.20
Max BalardDM/CM26NAC Breda (Eredivisie) 7.70
Riley McGreeAM29Middlesbrough (Championship) 7.50
Connor MetcalfeCM28FC St. Pauli (Bundesliga) 7.00
Patrick YazbekCM25Nashville SC (MLS) 6.50
Jacob ItalianoRB/LB26Grazer AK (Austrian Bundesliga) 6.00
Nestory IrankundaRW21Watford (Championship, loan from Bayern) 7.50
Mohamed ToureST23Randers FC (Superliga) 7.50
Marco TilioRW/AM26Rapid Wien (Austrian Bundesliga) 7.00
Garang KuolLW/ST23AC Sparta Prague (Czech First League) 7.50
Kusini YengiST28Aberdeen (Premiership) 7.00
Luka JovanovicST22Adelaide United (A-League) 6.00
Max CaputoST22Melbourne City (A-League) 6.50
Archie GoodwinST23Charlotte FC (MLS) 7.50

and the starting XI

Ryan (GK)

Miller (RB) Souttar (CB) Circati (CB) Farrell (LB)

Irankunda (RW) Balard (CM) Nisbet (CM) Bos (LW)

Kuol (SS)

Toure (CF)

The reasoning

Why THIS Squad Wins the 2027 AFC Asian CupIt’s not hype. It’s the perfect storm of peak-age talent, insane chemistry, perfect tactical fit, and the exact profile that beats Asia’s big three (Japan, Korea, Iran) in knockout football.

Here’s the cold, hard case:


Reason This Squad WinsConcrete Evidence (2025–2027)How It Beats the Elite
1. The best central-midfield pairing in Asia – by a mileNisbet 8.2 + Balard 7.7 = 15.9 combined rating 10 200+ minutes together at Central Coast (treble winners) 2025 stats: highest duel win % + progressive passes of any AFC pivotJapan (Endo–Morita) and Korea (Hwang–Lee) are technically excellent but lighter. Balard–Nisbet physically bully them in 50-50s and second balls → Australia controls the centre even when Japan has 60 % possession.
2. A front four that no Asian defence can live withTouré (hold-up + spin) + Kuol (central SS lethality) + Bos + Irankunda Projected tournament output: 28–34 combined G/ATouré pins both CBs → Kuol gets 4–5 box arrivals per game → wings get genuine 1-v-1s for the first time ever at senior level. Japan and Iran have never faced this combination of physicality + speed + late runners.
3. Full-backs who win their individual battles against EVERYONEFarrell 8.0 (Championship beast) + Miller 6.5 (but physical monster)Son (35), Mitoma, Taremi, Doan — all neutralized 1-v-1. Farrell a physical but clean winger; Miller’s raw power ages Son out of games.
4. The best centre-back partnership for Asian conditionsSouttar 8.0 + Circati 7.8 Combined height 3.96 m, both progressive on the ballAerially untouchable on set pieces (Souttar) + can play out against Japan’s press (Circati Serie A seasoning). Iran’s physicality and Japan’s quick combinations both get shut down.
5. Ryan in goal for knockout penalties8.0 rating, history of saving penalties in shootouts (2015 Asian Cup final, WC playoffs)Korea and Japan both go to pens in our simulations — Ryan is the difference.
6. Bench that changes gamesGoodwin 7.5 (Golden Boot winner), Yengi 7.0 (physical monster), McGree 7.5 (flair), Burgess 7.5 (set-piece threat)No drop-off when rotating in 30 °C humidity. Japan starts to fade in extra time; Australia gets stronger.
7. Peak age curveAverage age of starting XI in 2027: 26.4 years Every key player hitting prime simultaneouslyJapan and Korea are aging in several positions (Son 35, Kim 31, Endo 34). Australia is the youngest contender with the highest ceiling.



This is what AI says

This isn’t 2015 nostalgia or 2006 vibes.
This is the first Australian squad that is simultaneously physical, technical, fast, deep, and perfectly balanced — and every single starter is in their absolute prime in January 2027.Japan might still be favourites on paper.
But on grass, in knockout football, in Saudi heat, this team wins the Asian Cup. ack it.
Australia lifts the trophy on 5 February 2027.

Still a bit hyperbolic but there is a lot of truth mixed in there
Click to expand...
TBH that is a pretty scary first XI. A lot of ifs and maybes, Farrell, Circati still all not playing - will all need a strong 2026 before the Asian Cup. Kuol in the middle is a much fifferent beast than out wide. His xg triples centrally- but he needs a strong 2026 as wellat Sparta as well. Toure can either go direct or bring Bos, Irankunda or Kuol into play.
 
patjennings said:
Just on the Squad. I asked AI to give me a proposed 2027 Asian Cup squad with ratings and quick critique plus a starting XI. This is what they came up with

PlayerPositionAge (2027)Current Club (Nov 2025)Rating
Mathew RyanGK35Levante UD (La Liga) 8.00
Joe GauciGK27Port Vale (League One, loan from Aston Villa) 7.00
Patrick BeachGK24Melbourne City (A-League) 7.50
Harry SouttarCB29Leicester City (Championship) 8.00
Cameron BurgessCB32Swansea City (Championship) 7.50
Alessandro CircatiCB24Parma (Serie A) 7.80
Kye RowlesCB/LB29D.C. United (MLS) 7.00
Lewis MillerRB27Blackburn Rovers (Championship) 6.50
Jordy BosLB/LW25Feyenoord (Eredivisie) 8.00
Jacob FarrellLB24Portsmouth (Championship) 8.00
Kai TrewinCB/DM26Melbourne City (A-League) 6.50
Paul OkonDM22Sydney FC (A-League) 6.00
Josh NisbetCM28Roda JC (Eerste Divisie) 8.20
Max BalardDM/CM26NAC Breda (Eredivisie) 7.70
Riley McGreeAM29Middlesbrough (Championship) 7.50
Connor MetcalfeCM28FC St. Pauli (Bundesliga) 7.00
Patrick YazbekCM25Nashville SC (MLS) 6.50
Jacob ItalianoRB/LB26Grazer AK (Austrian Bundesliga) 6.00
Nestory IrankundaRW21Watford (Championship, loan from Bayern) 7.50
Mohamed ToureST23Randers FC (Superliga) 7.50
Marco TilioRW/AM26Rapid Wien (Austrian Bundesliga) 7.00
Garang KuolLW/ST23AC Sparta Prague (Czech First League) 7.50
Kusini YengiST28Aberdeen (Premiership) 7.00
Luka JovanovicST22Adelaide United (A-League) 6.00
Max CaputoST22Melbourne City (A-League) 6.50
Archie GoodwinST23Charlotte FC (MLS) 7.50

and the starting XI

Ryan (GK)

Miller (RB) Souttar (CB) Circati (CB) Farrell (LB)

Irankunda (RW) Balard (CM) Nisbet (CM) Bos (LW)

Kuol (SS)

Toure (CF)

The reasoning

Why THIS Squad Wins the 2027 AFC Asian CupIt’s not hype. It’s the perfect storm of peak-age talent, insane chemistry, perfect tactical fit, and the exact profile that beats Asia’s big three (Japan, Korea, Iran) in knockout football.

Here’s the cold, hard case:

Reason This Squad WinsConcrete Evidence (2025–2027)How It Beats the Elite
1. The best central-midfield pairing in Asia – by a mileNisbet 8.2 + Balard 7.7 = 15.9 combined rating 10 200+ minutes together at Central Coast (treble winners) 2025 stats: highest duel win % + progressive passes of any AFC pivotJapan (Endo–Morita) and Korea (Hwang–Lee) are technically excellent but lighter. Balard–Nisbet physically bully them in 50-50s and second balls → Australia controls the centre even when Japan has 60 % possession.
2. A front four that no Asian defence can live withTouré (hold-up + spin) + Kuol (central SS lethality) + Bos + Irankunda Projected tournament output: 28–34 combined G/ATouré pins both CBs → Kuol gets 4–5 box arrivals per game → wings get genuine 1-v-1s for the first time ever at senior level. Japan and Iran have never faced this combination of physicality + speed + late runners.
3. Full-backs who win their individual battles against EVERYONEFarrell 8.0 (Championship beast) + Miller 6.5 (but physical monster)Son (35), Mitoma, Taremi, Doan — all neutralized 1-v-1. Farrell a physical but clean winger; Miller’s raw power ages Son out of games.
4. The best centre-back partnership for Asian conditionsSouttar 8.0 + Circati 7.8 Combined height 3.96 m, both progressive on the ballAerially untouchable on set pieces (Souttar) + can play out against Japan’s press (Circati Serie A seasoning). Iran’s physicality and Japan’s quick combinations both get shut down.
5. Ryan in goal for knockout penalties8.0 rating, history of saving penalties in shootouts (2015 Asian Cup final, WC playoffs)Korea and Japan both go to pens in our simulations — Ryan is the difference.
6. Bench that changes gamesGoodwin 7.5 (Golden Boot winner), Yengi 7.0 (physical monster), McGree 7.5 (flair), Burgess 7.5 (set-piece threat)No drop-off when rotating in 30 °C humidity. Japan starts to fade in extra time; Australia gets stronger.
7. Peak age curveAverage age of starting XI in 2027: 26.4 years Every key player hitting prime simultaneouslyJapan and Korea are aging in several positions (Son 35, Kim 31, Endo 34). Australia is the youngest contender with the highest ceiling.

This is what AI says

This isn’t 2015 nostalgia or 2006 vibes.
This is the first Australian squad that is simultaneously physical, technical, fast, deep, and perfectly balanced — and every single starter is in their absolute prime in January 2027.Japan might still be favourites on paper.
But on grass, in knockout football, in Saudi heat, this team wins the Asian Cup. ack it.
Australia lifts the trophy on 5 February 2027.

Still a bit hyperbolic but there is a lot of truth mixed in there
Click to expand...
I'd still have Segecic in there somewhere but all-in-all, if this squad were coached by someone worldlier than Popa and Arnie put together...it. Would. Fcken. COOK🔥🔥
 
grazorblade said:
more silly than 'goooooalllllllllll?"
We all get something different out of the game, and passion can take you to silly places at times, but the game is nothing without passion
Click to expand...
Ha ha!

Good point!

I love 'goooooallllllll'! Those Latin commentators are hilarious!

I'm not missing any of the old Fox team from Paramount/Ten's team who aren't already there, apart from Slater's unique, ' he gave it some violence,' when a player scores with a powerful shot.

Also, Slater fell out with Bozza big time over what he perceived as some overly harsh criticism of his great mate, Arnie, and his Socceroo tenure. Arnie and Bulldog had the last laugh at the Qatar WC.

Archie is fairly silly as a pundit at times, in a good natured way.

Actually, I wouldn't mind Slater interspersed with Harper as an expert commentator.
 
Last edited:
onedaywinners... said:
so you gonna show us this squad or what??
Click to expand...
As I said earlier I won't give you my 2026 WC squad yet - too many injuries. But this is my 2027 Asian Cup - post Ryan, post Irvine and assuming injury returns.


Player
Pos
Age (Jan 2027)

Joe Gauci
GK
26

Lawrence Thomas
GK
34

Patrick Beach
GK
25

Lewis Miller
RB
26

James Overy
RB
22

Jordan Bos
LB
26

Jacob Farrell
LB
25

Harry Souttar
CB
28

Kye Rowles
CB/LB
29

Alessandro Circati
CB
24

Cameron Burgess
CB
31

Aiden O’Neill
CB/DM
28

Max Balard
DM/CM
29

Joshua Nisbet
CM
28

Connor Metcalfe
CM/8
30

Riley McGree
AM/LW
30

Alex Robertson
CM/AM
26

Adrian Segecic
AM/RW/CM
23

Cristian Volpato
AM/RW
23

Nishan Velupillay
LW/RW
26

Marco Tilio
RW/AM
26

Nestory Irankunda
RW
21

Garang Kuol
ST/Wings
22

Mohamed Toure
ST/LW
23

Apostolos Stamatelopoulos
ST
28

Zac Sapsford
ST/AM
25


Australia Depth Chart – AFC Asian Cup 2027

Goalkeeper
Joe Gauci - starter
Lawrence Thomas – veteran backup
Patrick Beach - future #1

Right Back
Lewis Miller
James Overy

Left Back
Jordan Bos
Jacob Farrell
Kye Rowles (can cover LB)

Center Back
(preferred pairing: Souttar – Circati)
Harry Souttar – aerial dominance, set pieces
Alessandro Circati – ball-playing vice-captain
Kye Rowles – reliable left-sided CB
Cameron Burgess – no-nonsense depth
Aiden O’Neill (emergency CB cover)

Defensive Midfielder
#6 Max Balard – captain, metronome
Aiden O’Neill – utility option

Central Midfield
(double pivot or box-to-box)
Joshua Nisbet – pressing machine
Connor Metcalfe – engine
Alex Robertson – technical depth
Max Balard (can drop deeper if needed)

Attacking Midfield
#10Riley McGree – creative leader
Adrian Segecic – long-term Irvine successor
Alex Robertson
Cristian Volpato - set-piece specialist
Marco Tilio/Zac Sapsford (can play here)

Right Wing
Nestory Irankunda
Marco Tilio
Nishan Velupillay / Cristian Volpato / Adrian Segecic (can drift right)

Left Wing
Nishan Velupillay
Riley McGree – can play here
Garang Kuol – chaos option
Mohamed Toure (can cut in from left)

Striker
#9Apostolos Stamatelopoulos – target man, hold-up
Zac Sapsford – breakout physical #9 with flair
Garang Kuol – false 9 / chaos
Mohamed Toure – physical beast
Nestory Irankunda (can play central in emergencies)
 
Decentric said:
Also, Slater fell out with Bozza big time over what he perceived as some overly harsh criticism of his great mate, Arnie, and his Socceroo tenure. Arnie and Bulldog had the last laugh at the Qatar WC.
Click to expand...
Not in the fullness of time they will though, touch wood🤞🏼
 
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