Australia vs Bangladesh Prediction: Bangladesh are unbeaten in last 7 in regular time

Australia will welcome Bangladesh at AAMI Park, Melbourne in Game Week 1 of the FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. There is a clear difference between these two sides with 156 place gap in FIFA rankings. Bangladesh are ranked 183rd in FIFA rankings but is coming into this game on the back of a win. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?

Australia have made a remarkable turnaround in their World Cup fortunes, qualifying for the finals in each of the last five tournaments after a 32-year absence. In the upcoming qualifiers, they are expected to top their group, which also includes Palestine, Lebanon, and Bangladesh. Securing a place in the top two of Group I would see them progress to the final stage of qualifying and guarantee their participation in the 2027 Asia Cup.

Australia may opt for a defensive partnership of Harry Souttar and Cameron Burgess at the centre-back position, while Ryan Strain and Jordan Bos could fulfil the roles of the full-backs. Striker Mitchell Duke from Machida Zelvia has recently scored in his last two J2 League matches and will aim for a third consecutive goal when he leads the attack against Bangladesh. The squad includes two uncapped players, Charlton goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer and Portsmouth forward Kusini Yengi, who will be on the bench for Thursday's game. 

Ryan; Strain, Souttar, Burgess, Bos; Boyle, Baccus, Irvine, Goodwin; Metcalfe; Duke

Their opponents Bangladesh have also shown resilience in their matches, avoiding defeat in their last seven fixtures in regular time. However, Bangladesh's poor away record in World Cup qualifying makes them the clear underdogs heading into the match. The Asian side has lost 11 out of 15 away games in qualifiers. 

Bangladesh will be without midfielder Sohel Rana due to a one-match suspension, following his red card in the second-leg victory over the Maldives. The team will rely on teenage goalkeeper Mitul Marma, with support from defenders Uddin, Tariq Kazi, Bishwanath Ghosh, and Shakil Hossain. Rakib Hossain and Fahim are likely to be the main attacking threats for the visitors. 

Marma; Kazi, Uddin, Ghosh, S Hossain; Ridoy, MS Rana, Bhuyan, Rahman Jony; R Hossain, Fahim

Given the significant 156-place gap in rankings between Australia and Bangladesh, we anticipate that the Socceroos will dominate the game and secure a comfortable victory. Expect complete domination and a goal feast. Bet on only one team to be on the scoresheet.