UAE vs. Australia Predictions: Green and Gold to progress for final showdown against Peru

The World Cup would normally be getting ready to start this week, but due to it taking place in Qatar in the winter we've still got teams attempting to qualify. Wales snaffled the last remaining European spot and now we've got the final two spots to be decided in the CONCACAF, Oceania, Asia and CONMEBOL confederations.

First up is UAE versus Australia in a knock out match that will decide who will face to Peru in the FIFA Inter-Confederation play-off final. We've asked Adam Roberts to preview this one and give us his best two bets for the occasion. 

Both these sides finished third in their respective Asian qualifying groups; UAE took 12 points from their ten group games and in the process finished below group winners Iran and runners up South Korea. Meanwhile, in Group B, Australia picked up more points (15) but couldn't finish above Saudi Arabia and Japan to qualify automatically for Qatar. Now they face the unenviable proposition of first playing each other in Al Rayyan on Tuesday and then the winner will have to beat Peru just six days later in the same stadium. 

The two sides have faced off just five times before in international competition, with the Socceroos having the best of it, winning three  and drawing once. Two of those wins came in World Cup qualification back in 2016/17, but the last meeting between the two ended in a 1-0 win for the UAE in a Asian Cup quarter final. Nevertheless, Australia come into this one as strong odds-on favourites and Graham Arnold's men will be expected to progress to face Peru next Monday evening.

Team news:

The Green and Gold have a virtual full strength team with only Tom Rogic unavailable. Aaron Mooy and Adam Taggart join Jason Davidson in returning to the side after recent absences.

Meanwhile, Rodolfo Arruabarrena has recalled Emirati talisman Omar Abdulrahman to the side for the first time in two and a half years.

I'm expecting this to be a scrappy, dour affair. Just like Wales v Ukraine, with so much on the line these teams will do anything to ensure progression against Peru. However, the Socceroos do possess far more quality than their UAE counterparts. FIFA rank these two sides at 35 and 68 in the world respectively which shows the difference in class. Australia also have the better head-to-head record between the two sides and I'm firmly expecting them to come out on top here tonight. The 4/5 on offer looks good value...

Next up we have a two-pronged bet builder of Aussie striker Jamie Maclaren to score in the 90 minutes and UAE holding midfielder Ali Salmin to be carded. 

Maclaren led the A League this year for goals, scoring 15 for his club Melbourne Victory and is bang in form. He has six in 19 for the Green and Gold and I'm expecting him to add to that tally tonight. 

Salmin plays for UAE side Al-Wasl Sports Club and has picked up three yellow cards this season. He picked up six the season before and has two for the national side in the last year. Against the combative and progressive Aaron Mooy he could be forced into a booking here again tonight. 

The double pays a little over 12/1 at Paddy Power.