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Horse Racing Syria vs Australia Prediction: Tips and Best Bets Preview
We move onto round two in Group B and Nathan Joyes returns to provide us with his Syria vs Australia prediction and tips betting preview. With both nations having ambitions to progress to the knockout stage, it’s already crunch time for those looking to secure an automatic spot.
The third favourites prior to the tournament beginning, Australia should be strong enough to secure all three points. Nathan is on hand to explain how they’ll do just that.
If the Asian Cup isn’t enough for you, how about sampling our AFCON coverage here at bettingexpert?
Syria vs Australia Prediction and Tips Preview
- Syria vs Australia Tip 1: Australia and Under 3.5 Goals
- Syria vs Australia Tip 2: Draw – Australia HT/FT
- Syria vs Australia Tip 3: Australia to Win Second Half by One Goal
In this article:
- Syria vs Australia Team News
- Syria vs Australia Stats Preview
- How to watch Syria vs Australia
- Safer Gambling
Syria vs Australia Tip 1: It won’t be pretty or memorable…
Qatar, Asian Cup, Thursday, January 18th, 11:30 (UK)
Two nations have faced each other on three occasions, and it’s safe to say they have always put on a show.
Australia edged out Syria over two legs back in 2017 en route to the World Cup before the Socceroos once again got the upper hand in a dramatic 3-2 victory in the 2019 Asian Cup. A 93rd-minute Tom Rogic goal sealed the win.
Unfortunately, this time round, it may not have the fireworks we’ve come to expect when these two nations meet.
Aside from Australia’s spectacular seven goals against Bangladesh, they’ve struggled against teams who set up to clinch a point – something Syria are likely to try, knowing a victory is out of their reach.
Syria somehow got over the line against North Korea in the World Cup qualifiers in a 1-0 win. They were on their knees at the final whistle in the second half, with the Koreans dominating.
Next up, Syria were humbled by Japan 5-0. Setting up with ten men behind the ball, Japan had to bide their time but eventually pulled them apart and ran riot.
Australia have struggled to do what Japan did against Syria, but there’s enough quality on show for them to collect three points and secure a qualification spot for the knockouts. It won’t be pretty or memorable, but their fitness should be far superior, and a narrow victory is firmly on the cards.
- Syria vs Australia Tip 1: Australia and Under 3.5 Goals
- Best Odds: 1.85
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 8/10
Syria vs Australia Tip 2: Losing edges
As already mentioned in this Syria vs Australia prediction and tips preview, as well as Australia vs India, the Socceroos have lost their attacking edge in front of goal of late. Against lower-ranked opposition, who are happy to sit back and soak up the pressure, Australia have shown little to no direction in the opening exchanges.
We witnessed this in their narrow 1-0 win over Palestine, as well as relying on an own goal to put them ahead in their final warm-up match against Bahrain.
It’s something Graham Arnold will have to figure out if his team are to run deep into the tournament rather than waiting to change to plan b in the second 45 minutes.
But as we saw against both Japan and North Korea, Syria remained competitive and disciplined for long periods in the opening 45 minutes. They are capable of keeping Australia at arm’s length, but as the game becomes stretched in the second half, the Socceroos can strike and claim the win.
- Syria vs Australia Tip 2: Draw – Australia HT/FT
- Best Odds: 3.75
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 7/10
Syria vs Australia Tip 3: A second half to saviour for Socceroos
With a drab first half predicted and for Australia to win the match in the second half, it feels only fitting to accommodate all selections.
As pointed out, Australia aren’t a team that can blow away opposition of a certain ranking. A 2-0 friendly win over New Zealand, a 1-0 win over Palestine and a 2-0 victory over Bahrain prove exactly that.
The Socceroos can get ahead but often look to see out the result and protect their lead rather than chasing down more goals.
In fact, Arnold’s team have won 3/4 second halves by a single goal (at the time of writing) – the other game was against Bangladesh, a far weaker nation.
Mitchell Duke has the experience and goal-scoring ability to write his name in the headlines and may well be the difference for Australia in round two.
- Syria vs Australia Tip 3: Australia to Win Second Half by One Goal
- Best Odds: 2.87
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 10/10
Syria vs Australia Prediction odds via bet365 as at 14:00, January 10th, 2024. Odds may now differ.
Syria vs Australia Team News Preview: Duke the target for Arnold’s side
Australia heads into the Asian Cup as third favourites, and Arnold has made some big calls. He’s decided to leave out James Maclaren and Mathew Leckie in favour of Mitchell Duke, who has been playing his football in Japan. Time will tell if he’s made the right call.
Syria will be relying on their captain, Omar Al Somah, to lead from the front, although Pablo Sabbag, who’s spent the year on loan at Peruvian club Alianza Lima, has staked his claim for a starting spot.
He scored in a recent friendly against Malaysia and fired in ten goals in Peru in 2023.
Syria vs Australia OPTA Stats Preview: Robust Aussies
- Australia and Syria have met three times, with the Socceroos winning one and drawing the other two.
- Syria head into the Asian Cup having scored one goal from the penalty spot across both their Asia World Cup qualifiers.
- Australia has conceded just once in their last five matches prior to the tournament kicking off (vs England).
- The Aussies won two of their three World Cup group games in 2022 to progress to the knockouts, in a group consisting of France, Denmark and Tunisia.
How To Watch
- Syria vs Australia, Asian Cup.
- Date and Time: Thursday, January 18th, 11:30 (UK)
- How to Watch or Stream on TV (UK): bet365
Safer Gambling
At bettingexpert, we always take a safe approach to gambling. We’ll never bet more than we can afford or chase losses. For more advice, head to our Safer Gambling hub.
