World Cup Qualifiers 2024 LIVE updates: Socceroos meet Bahrain in crucial clash

So here’s how the Socceroos will line up. Once again, Tony Popovic has shown he is unafraid to make changes or to blood young or inexperienced players if he thinks it’s the right thing to do:

There are surprises from front to back, here.

Captain Maty Ryan is back in goals, replacing Joe Gauci for his first cap under Tony Popovic. Hayden Matthews, the 20-year-old Sydney FC defender, will start instead of Jason Geria. His teammate Anthony Caceres gets the nod in midfield over Aiden O’Neill. Aziz Behich replaces Jordy Bos out wide on the left. Craig Goodwin returns from suspension and comes in for Ajdin Hrustic in one of the inverted winger roles. And up front, it’s Kusini Yengi who is at striker, with Mitch Duke squeezed onto the bench.

Huge, huge calls. And suddenly that bench is looking very strong.