Honduras take on Australia on Friday night in the first of their two-legged World Cup qualifying playoff clash. With little separating the two nations in the build-up to the match, both teams will be hoping to head to Australia next week with a lead.
World Cup Qualification Playoff – Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano, San Pedro Sula – Friday 10th November – 21:00 UK Time
|
Draw Best Odd of: 9/4 at Ladbrokes |
|
Honduras
AustraliaMatch Preview
Having both narrowly missed out on automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup Finals in Russia, Honduras and Australia meet in San Pedro Sula on Friday in the hope of recording a win ahead of the second leg next week. Despite neither side having a host of world class players to call upon, they have both shown enormous quality over recent months, with little separating them in the betting markets ahead of kick-off. For those looking to place a bet on the match, be sure to check out our top tip below. Let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with Honduras.
Honduras Team News & Form
Honduras recorded a 3-2 win over Mexico to secure their place in the playoff stage of the competition, with manager Jorge Luis Pinto hoping to lead the nation to their first ever appearance in a World Cup Finals. If they are to achieve this then a win at home on Friday is crucial, with their home form having dramatically aided their run of form over the last 12 months. The majority of their squad are based in Honduras, with veteran striker Carlo Costly having scored 32 goals from his 76 senior international caps. Meanwhile, Barcelona B striker Anthony Lozano could also line-up for the home side. Having scored just 13 goals from their ten qualifying matches, Honduras will be looking to improve their form in front of goal, starting on Friday night.
Australia Team News & Form
Australia defeated Syria over two legs to make it through to the Intercontinental playoff, with manager Ange Postecoglou looking to lead his side to a fourth consecutive World Cup Finals appearance. Australia have lost just one of their last five matches, coming away in Japan back in August, however their struggles against Syria suggest that their clash with Honduras could well be just as tight. Veteran Tim Cahill scored the winning goal in that match, with the former Everton man expected to line up for the away side, despite picking up an injury at club level this week. Elsewhere, the likes of Tom Rogic, Aaron Mooy and Captain Mile Jedinak bring significant experience to the Australia line-up.
Head to Head
The two teams have never previously met in any fixture, meaning that no conclusions can be taken from their head-to-head record.
Betting Odds and Predictions
As the home team, it is little surprise that it is Honduras who are the favourites for victory with the majority of online bookmakers. The home side can be backed at best odds of 21/20 with Skybet, while Ladbrokes offers Australia appealing odds of 3.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on both teams to score when Honduras and Australia clash on Friday, with best odds of 3 found at Ladbrokes.