Venue: ANZ Stadium Wednesday, June 10th 2009 Kick-Off:11:00

Australia welcome Bahrain to the ANZ stadium in Sydney in the Asian group zone of World Cup Qualifying live on Eurosport.

Australia have already secured their place at the World Cup finals in South Africa next year, with the likes of Mark Schwarzer and Lucas Neill having been imperious during a qualifying campaign that has been built on defence though it hasn't been without its near misses.

With the main objective now achieved, the Socceroos can afford to open up during their last two group matches as they seek to deliver the sort of entertainment and fluidity that has been missing of late.

Bahrain's destiny is firmly in their hands after an impressive campaign and need only a point from their remaining two matches to finish third in their group and have a chance at making next year's World Cup through the play-offs,

Having missed out on qualification for the last World Cup in rather controversial circumstances during their play-off against Trinidad and Tobago, they will be eager to make amends this time round.

Australia will have Luke Wilkshire back from suspension, though captain Lucas Neill conveniently ruled himself out of the clash with a late yellow card against Bahrain in order to avoid the risk of being suspended ahead the World Cup next year (suspensions from the qualifying stages carry on into the main tournament).

Marco Bresciano won't be featuring due to logistical difficulties, while Scott Chipperfield has been ruled out with a foot injury and Carl Valeri returns to Italy to help promotion-chasing Grosseto in the Serie B play-offs.

Bahrain meanwhile will be a little under strength, as star striker A'ala Hubail and midfielder Abdulla Fatadi are out of contention.

Hubail, joint top scorer in the 2004 Asian Cup, is injured and Fatadi will miss the game through suspension.

Australia with an in form Harry Kewell in the side can win comfortably today against a slightly weakened Bahrain outfit.

Dave's Prediction:

Australia 2 Bahrain 0 @ 6.00 with BlueSQ