Australia vs Uzbekistan Prediction: Don't Expect Fireworks In The Final Round Of The Asian Cup Group Stage Fixture

Australia will welcome Uzbekistan to the Al Janoub Stadium in the final round of the Asian Cup group stage fixture.

While the Socceroos have already qualified for the knockout stages, following them behind is Uzbekistan, which will be aiming for a point to ensure a second-place finish in Group B.

Let's have a look at the latest AFC Asian Cup predictions between Australia vs. Uzbekistan, probable lineups, match facts and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Australia

FIFA Ranking: 25th

Australia has maintained an impeccable record in the Asian Cup, remaining unblemished with their consistently impressive performance that currently sees them on a two-match winning streak.

In their opening match against a resilient India, the Socceroos managed to eke out a 3-0 triumph, although it has to be said that it wasn't a straightforward win as it took the second half to finally see a breakthrough. They followed up on that triumph with another hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Syria, courtesy of a Jackson Irvine strike in the 59th minute, who now has two goals to his name in this competition.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Ryan; Jones, Souttar, Rowles, Bos; McGree, Metcalfe, Irvine; Boyle, Yengi, Silvera

Uzbekistan

FIFA Ranking: 68th

Uzbekistan, on the other hand, has had a good start to the competition and is one of the two sides heavily favored to qualify for the knockout rounds in Group B. Uzbekistan sits in second place with four points to their name and needs to secure only one point to qualify for the sixth consecutive time in the group stages, a feat that appears attainable. 

In their opening match, Uzbekistan were a tad unlucky not to secure all three points against Syria, as their inefficiency in front of goal resulted in a goalless draw. However, they did manage to compensate for their poor display by thrashing India 3-0 in the second round, extending their unbeaten run across all competitions to nine matches (W6 D3), and will fancy their chances of extending that run to ten matches by picking up a favorable outcome in this impending encounter.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-4-2

Yusupov; Alijonov, Khusanov, Eshmurodov, Sayfiev; Turgunboev, Shukurov, Erkinov, Masharipov; Abdikholikov, Sergeyev

Match Facts

• Australia has preserved six consecutive clean sheets across all competitions.
• Uzbekistan are currently on a nine-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
• Australia averages 1.8 goals per game when playing at home, and Uzbekistan averages 2 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

Over the past four encounters, Australia emerged victorious in all four matches, while Uzbekistan failed to secure a win, resulting in a goal difference of 10-0 favoring Australia with no draws.

Expert Betting Tips

Australia doesn't carry the weight of worrying about qualifying for the knockout rounds, as two consecutive wins in their group stage fixtures were enough to guarantee them a spot in the knockout rounds. However, securing a win in this impending encounter is still of importance to them, as they'll get to qualify from the group stages with an unblemished record, a feat they've failed to achieve in their past four consecutive appearances in this competition.

Uzbekistan, meanwhile, is in need of a point to ensure a second-place finish in Group B, as Syria is poised to overtake them if they win by a significant margin in their match against India. With a nine-match unbeaten run across all competitions, there is absolutely no doubt that they will secure that point in this match. Therefore, we expect this match to end in a stalemate when all is said and done.

• 1st Half (Correct Score) - 0:0 for 2.25
• Both Teams To Score - No for 1.66
• X for 3.08