The Socceroos World Cup qualifying campaign continues early on Wednesday morning as they take on China in a big game. The Sunday League Shark has done a deep dive on the game and has his betting tips for the clash below.
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China vs Australia Betting Tips
Asian World Cup Qualifying, Sharjah Stadium, Wednesday 2.00am (AEDT)
Qualifying Situation
The Socceroos will play their 2nd World Cup qualifying game of the week on Wednesday morning against China, after they could only muster a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia on Thursday night. With the Socceroos and Saudi Arabia drawing and Japan securing a win against Vietnam, Group B in the third round of qualifying becomes extremely interesting, with those three sides now seperated by just four points.
The Aussies can keep their rivals Japan at arms length with a win over China on Wednesday morning before two easier games against Vietnam and Oman in the next two.
Match Preview
The Chinese haven't exactly been setting the world alight in the third round of qualifying so far. They are 1-1-3 through their five opening games, having only defeated the group minnows in Vietnam, and that 3-2 win came courtesy of a 95th minute winner from Wu Lei.
On the contrary, the Aussies started the gorup in red hot fashion, winning their first three games before going down to Japan on the road in a game where they really looked the better side. their fifth game saw them tie with Saudi Arabia to currently hold a 3-1-1 record and sit in 2nd place in the group.
The Socceroos and China have already faced off once in the 3rd round. The game was supposed to be Australia's home game but due to COVID, it was relocated to Qatar back in September. The Aussies were far too good for their opponents, winning 3-0 on the back of goals from Mabil, Boyle and Duke.
The Socceroos had a fairly strong line-up in for their Thursday night clash, but will still be without star midfielders Tom Rogic and Aaron Mooy, who didn't make the trip for this double header. Regardless of their line-up for this one, I can see them being too strong for the Chinese outfit, especially away from China, with this game to be played in the U.A.E.
The Aussies are firm favourites at $1.35, so there is not much meat on the bone if you fancy them like I do. I do like the same game multi with the Aussies to win and the game to have over 2.5 goals. There has been 16 goals scored in China's five games in the 3rd round so far, the most of any of the Group B teams.
Australia & Over 2.5 Goals
$2.60