Wanted.....One Australian Striker

As Australia’s attacking options disappear quicker than an ice cube in the Sahara it seems the knifes are already out. Predictably Les Murray has produced his usual “the decline of Australian Football” piece and Jesse Fink has his drum out and is banging it hard for Nicky Carle (it does appear though that Carle would have been well suited to this match).

Is this really the disaster that on first glance it appears? Pim was almost certainly going to want to play a 4-5-1 for this game and I think we still appear reasonably equipped for the majority of options.

Keeper
Schwarzer

Mark will be the obvious choice between the posts.


Backline
Wilkshire ---- Neill ---- Beauchamp/North ----- Carney

Wilkshire will almost step in for the injured Emerton at Right Fullback and there is no doubt we will miss Emerton work rate, Wilkshire has shown in the past that he is adequate backup in this role.

Neill will fulfil one of the Centre Back roles with either Beauchamp or North taking the other spot (Beauchamp would be the favourite). With Neill out of form lately and with question marks hanging over both Beauchamp and North we certainly look vulnerable.

Defensive Midfield
Culina ------ Grella

With the lack strike options Pim is almost certain to opt for twin DMs. Vince Grella has shown time and time again his ability here, his distribution from the back is first class. Add in the mobility of Jason Culina and we have our strongest position.


Attacking Midfield
Holman ----- Bresciano -------- Kewell

Brett Holman has been very inconsistent for the Socceroos and just may be the key to the success in Kunming. If on song, he will combine well with Kewell and both of them will be extremely dangerous running at the Chinese defence.

The biggest concern here is our ability to maintain the intensity for the whole match. Both Kewell and Bresciano will struggled to last 90 minutes and we will need to look at subs for both of them.


Striker
???????????

Pim has a huge headache here, his only choices are Archie Thompson and Mark Bridge, neither of which inspire huge confidence in the lone striking role. Both of them much prefer to run at the defenders and both have little to no strengths in the air. I think he will go with Archie as it will allow him to use Bridge off the bench later in the match.


First and foremost Australia needs to ensure we don’t lose this match, with that in mind I am sure Pim will be looking to play a counter attack game. Hold possession as much as possible and move the ball quickly to Holman and Kewell out wide. The key will be a early success, I have no doubt that Australia will tire quickly in the second half and we need to be in front going in at the half.

I would be expecting the Chinese are going to come at the defence hard and strangely this may suit us with our current problems.