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World Cup Qualification Thread for 2026 - Socceroos/Asia

On a serious note, only Popa would be stupid enough to replace a CM for a DM.

Edit: on second thought, I take that back, Arnie did the same thing with Metcalfe.
 
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huddo said:
On a serious note, only Popa would be stupid enough to replace a CM for a DM.

Edit: on second thought, I take that back, Arnie did the same thing with Metcalfe.
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Fair enough I have not even seen Triantis or Hibs play only some SPL highlights on YouTube but only hear good things and he has some attacking intent like Irvine?

It's a very interesting game I feel like we almost get a free hit at Japan in Perth - who will play presumably JAPAN B side but with attacking intent and nothing to lose.
 
Thankfully our centre mid and defensive mid positions have got enough cover.

The key is who has the right profile to replace Irvine? O’Neill, Triantis, Ballard look obvious options, could we potentially see someone like Metcalfe or even Nieuwenhof?
Right now I would not take Teague out of the team.

However as it’s not ideal losing an experienced player like Irvine but if there is one silver lining is there are options that could play there.
 
I'd like to see Triantis given a shot.

With him Burgess, Geria and maybe Circati/Souttar in June. We got some serious fire power from set pieces.
Goodwin's delivery is still quality. It's the only way we beat SA and Japan in my opinion.
 
huddo said:
You guys are all aware, Triantis, Metcalfe, O'Neill, Teague and Balard are all DMs. And Irvine was a CM?
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That's where Irvine had improve. Arnold had him much deeper and he'd get totally exposed.

This power vacuum isn't ideal timing but we have options. It's very unlikely Devlin will be called in, another CDM. A lot of people are asking for Thurgate. Kalik could fill the void but is a long shot.
 
Japan could pick anyone and still be a threat. They'll need to weigh up whether this window can be seen as practice for their best side or a selection try out. The latter is potentially the more dangerous one. Teams who can just pass for fun will create chances.
 
Barca4life said:
Thankfully our centre mid and defensive mid positions have got enough cover.

The key is who has the right profile to replace Irvine? O’Neill, Triantis, Ballard look obvious options, could we potentially see someone like Metcalfe or even Nieuwenhof?
Right now I would not take Teague out of the team.

However as it’s not ideal losing an experienced player like Irvine but if there is one silver lining is there are options that could play there.
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Considering Teague is almost locked in, who’s best to be his partner in midfield?
 
Herringbone said:
Considering Teague is almost locked in, who’s best to be his partner in midfield?
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To be honest I’m not sure what Popa is going to do, however I just feel with the way Teague played against China it would be harsh to drop him.

So based off that either of Triantis or Ballard would suffice, then again it also not surprise me if O’Neill gets the nod so it depends on how the team is set up.
 
JS96 said:
That's where Irvine had improve. Arnold had him much deeper and he'd get totally exposed.

This power vacuum isn't ideal timing but we have options. It's very unlikely Devlin will be called in, another CDM. A lot of people are asking for Thurgate. Kalik could fill the void but is a long shot.
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Arnie didn't have him deeper, he had him set as a playmaker with players like Metcalfe and mcgree, it's why he didn't work in Arnie's system.

where is the drive from centre mid in to the final third going to come from now. They can't chose a DM.

Caceras will probably move in to the role noting Popa's preference to him. Preferably I'd look at Nisbet ( I know I push Nisbet alot on this forum, but honestly where the creativity in the final 3rd coming from with Irvine out?).he's the only other box to box we have.
 
huddo said:
Arnie didn't have him deeper, he had him set as a playmaker with players like Metcalfe and mcgree, it's why he didn't work in Arnie's system.

where is the drive from centre mid in to the final third going to come from now. They can't chose a DM.

Caceras will probably move in to the role noting Popa's preference to him. Preferably I'd look at Nisbet ( I know I push Nisbet alot on this forum, but honestly where the creativity in the final 3rd coming from with Irvine out?).he's the only other box to box we have.
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Nisbet is a good option. I like Luongo and Robertson also. Kalik has good form as a CAM.
 
Quicky said:
Metcalfe has been playing RM/RF for St Pauli. Luongo and Robertson are shouts at 8.
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Metcalfe ain't a CM. The issue with Massimo is he hasn't played over 30 minutes since August, may be okey, but he may not be match fit either. Robbo still hasn't shown a desire to play with us, if he did he would be first on the list.
 
huddo said:
Arnie didn't have him deeper, he had him set as a playmaker with players like Metcalfe and mcgree, it's why he didn't work in Arnie's system.

where is the drive from centre mid in to the final third going to come from now. They can't chose a DM.

Caceras will probably move in to the role noting Popa's preference to him. Preferably I'd look at Nisbet ( I know I push Nisbet alot on this forum, but honestly where the creativity in the final 3rd coming from with Irvine out?).he's the only other box to box we have.
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There were plenty of times Irvine was played deeper but even more stupidly, made the hang out of the sideline. Anyway, it's more that Irvine finally pulled his finger out as he had been woeful.

Yeah, Nisbet is a great shout. It'll be Caceres no doubt.
 
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