Thursday, January 10, 2019

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Graham Arnold has some selection headaches ahead of the Socceroos’ Asian Cup opener.
Graham Arnold has some selection headaches ahead of the Socceroos’ Asian Cup opener.Source: AAP

Graham Arnold has some selection headaches ahead of Australia’s Asian Cup opener against Jordan on Sunday night.

The Socceroos have been rocked by key injuries, the latest to new Roo Martin Boyle, which have threatened Arnold’s plans for the tournament.
Already without Aaron Mooy and, for the group games at least, Mathew Leckie, the Socceroos coach has had to reshuffle his attack.
But the squad remains upbeat, with no evidence the players have been rattled by so many injuries leading into the tournament.

Chris Ikonomidis is expected to be named in the starting line-up against Jordan.
Chris Ikonomidis is expected to be named in the starting line-up against Jordan.Source: Getty Images

So who will get the nod against Jordan?
Chris Ikonomidis stood out against Oman in last week’s training match and by all accounts the Perth Glory forward has continued to impress Arnold during the training.
There’s every chance of him retaining his place in the starting line-up, with Andrew Nabbout once again preferred to lead the line over Jamie Maclaren.
The sentiment is that Arnold will also go with the experience of Robbie Kruse out wide, with Awer Mabil likely to remain on the bench.

Will Mark Milligan stay in the midfield, or be shifted back to the defence?
Will Mark Milligan stay in the midfield, or be shifted back to the defence?Source: Getty Images

It’s in defence where Arnold will also have to make a big call. He opted to move Mark Milligan to the midfield against Oman, with Trent Sainsbury partnered by Milos Degenek at the back.
If that continues for the match against Jordan, it’s likely to be Jackson Irvine who misses out, but if Milligan is shifted back to defence, that will cost Degenek his place.

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