AFC Asian Cup 2023: Australia vs Uzbekistan: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Uzbekistan has never managed to defeat Australia.

The group stage of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 has reached its last round as the race for the knockouts intensifies. Group B will witness the clash of titans as table toppers Australia will lock horns against second placed Uzbekistan.

Title favourites Australia became the second side after hosts Qatar to book a spot in Round-of-16 following their win against Syria. Uzbekistan on the other hand have put one foot in the knockouts after their 3-0 win over India. Expect both sides to go all out in search of the top spot of Group B.

Here is what to look out for ahead of Australia’s clash with Uzbekistan in the AFC Asian Cup 2023:

Kick Off

January 23, 2024, 17:00 ISTJanuary 23, 2024, 16:30 GMT+5

January 23, 2024, 22:30 GMT+11

Form

Australia (in all competitions) W-W-W-W-W

Uzbekistan (in all competitions) W-D-W-W-D

Players to watch

Harry Souttar (Australia)

The defender has been rock solid at the back for the Socceroos. Southar has kept things very tight at the back and has not allowed the opposition any opportunities to have a go at them.

Standing at 6’ 6″, the 25-year-old is known for his balling winning abilities both in the air and on the ground. He will have a key role to play against the pace and trickery of the Uzbekistan forwards.

Abbosbek Fayzullaev (Uzbekistan)

The forward put in an incredible shift in the game against India. He scored Uzbekistan’s first goal at the AFC Asian Cup 2023 in the fourth minute against India.

The 20-year-old has already scored three goals for the senior team. He is known for his pace and awareness on the pitch. He is one of Uzbekistan’s most important players and will play an important role going further into the tournament.

Match facts

• Uzbekistan has never managed to defeat Australia.
• Australia has four wins in four matches against Uzbekistan.
• Australia has scored nine goals against Uzbekistan, but the latter has scored none.

Injury and Team News

Both teams are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection.

Head-to-head

Total Matches played – 4

Australia Wins – 4

Uzbekistan Wins – 0

Draws – 0

Predicted Line-up

Australia (4-4-2)

Mathew Ryan (C) (GK); Gethin Jones, Harry Souttar, Cameron Burgess, Jordan Bos; Connor Metcalfe, Aiden O’Neill, Jackson Irvine, Craig Goodwin; Mitchell Duke, Samuel Silvera

Uzbekistan (3-4-2-1)

Utkir Yusupov (GK); Abdukodir Khusanov, Umar Eshmurodov, Rustamjon Ashurmatov; Khojiakbar Alijonov, Odiljon Hamrobekov, Otabek Shukurov, Farrukh Sayfiev; Khojimat Erkinov, Jaloliddin Masharipov; Oston Urunov

Prediction for Australia vs Uzbekistan

It is going to be an evenly poised match between the two heavyweights of Asia. Australia has a superior FIFA ranking, head-to-head record and a very good run of form. Uzbekistan on the other hand have changed a lot since their last meeting against the Socceroos. The match might end in a draw.

Prediction: Australia 1-1 Uzbekistan

Telecast for Australia vs Uzbekistan

India – Sports 18, Jio Cinema

Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Oman – BeinSports, Alkass

United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Belgium, Netherlands – Triller TV

Australia – Network 10

Kyrgyz Republic – YTPK

Saudi Arabia – Shahid

United Arab Emirates – ADTV

AFC Asian Cup 2023 Worldwide Broadcast Details: Click here

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