- USA and Australia both have three points in Group D.
- USA beat Australia 2-1 when they last met eight months ago in the States.
- USA have two wins and three losses in their last five games in all competitions.
Pochettino’s pro-activity to take the match
Pochettino's proactive style of play has got USA on the front foot in their quest for glory in FIFA World Cup 2026 as the Stars and Stripes sit top of Group D with three points on the board. The States have only played one home game in this group phase, but they won that fixture and conceded just once against Paraguay.
Pochettino has instilled a level of structure in USA's game that we haven't seen before, particularly in their transitions and in the intensity of their pressing. It was evident in their recent 4-1 home victory over Paraguay in Group D.
Weston McKennie is the lynchpin for Mauricio's men in the midfield as he covers every blade of grass and presses relentlessly. Christian Pulisic is the creative spark of the side, driving play forward and linking up play in the final third.
Australia can play on the counter
Australia also earned three points from their opening Group D game, but they trail the USA only on goal difference. Tony Popovic has brought a solid level of organisation to the team and his 3-4-2-1 shape is very compact, so it can be difficult to break them down. Popovic's side, instead, relies on their discipline, hard work and the pace of their wing-backs to get into the game. Paul Okon-Engstler is a key player in this respect as he is usually the deepest player on the field, but controls the tempo and distribution from there. Okon-Engstler's one assist in Australia's 2-0 win over Turkey highlights the quality of service being produced and, even though USA have the edge in terms of possession and creativity, Australia will play on the break, or from set-pieces.
Back the goals to flow
We think USA will get another three Group D points on Friday, but Australia will be a threat on the attack and we can see them nicking a goal. Balogun is the top scorer in Group D with two goals in one game for the USA and he has scored three of his country's last nine goals in all competitions.
Connor Metcalfe leads the Socceroos' scoring charts with one goal from one game in Group D. With both teams looking to get on the scoresheet, we're taking the odds on offer for both teams to score in this match.
A lively fixture should be expected, so we're having a flutter on the over 2.5 goals market at 1.98, while the price of 1.63 on the home side reflects their home advantage and dominant showing against Paraguay.
