This is an EURO 2004 QUALIFIER preparation match for Ireland as they have a tough schedule ahead of them, playing Russia then Switzerland next month. Ireland's manager, Brian Kerr is taking this game seriously and playing a full squad. "We will have a strong team out and I don't think it will be too far away from my best team..." Brian Kerr commented. Only Everton's Lee Carsley and Blackburn's Steven Reid are out with injuries. This is ironically good news, since two players out with injuries is not bad, particularly for a friendly. Ireland hope to learn from England's mistake of not taking Australia too seriously when they lost 3-1 in a friendly.
Australia will be without Rangers defender Craig Moore after he suffered a hamstring injury in his club's 1-1 draw in the Champions League qualifying tie with Copenhagen at Ibrox last Wednesday. Australia coach Frank Farina has also named a strong squad and players like Kewell and Mark Viduka are expected to feature.
All in all, Ireland will take this game more seriously since they have more to play for. This will be the last game before the crucial qualifer against Russia. Also, Some of the players in the Ireland squad will be fighting for the starting 11 places and will not want to dissapoint.
IRELAND TO WIN AT 1.90 (LADBROKES)
1 UNIT TO WIN 0.90
2-3
-1.18 units
Australia will be without Rangers defender Craig Moore after he suffered a hamstring injury in his club's 1-1 draw in the Champions League qualifying tie with Copenhagen at Ibrox last Wednesday. Australia coach Frank Farina has also named a strong squad and players like Kewell and Mark Viduka are expected to feature.
All in all, Ireland will take this game more seriously since they have more to play for. This will be the last game before the crucial qualifer against Russia. Also, Some of the players in the Ireland squad will be fighting for the starting 11 places and will not want to dissapoint.
IRELAND TO WIN AT 1.90 (LADBROKES)
1 UNIT TO WIN 0.90
2-3
-1.18 units
