There are plenty of spots up for grabs in Holger Osieck's side to take on Saudi Arabia, today we speculate on what the lineup could be.
There is just one day left until Qantas Socceroos manager Holger Osieck names his squad for the World Cup qualifier with Saudi Arabia on February 29 at AAMI Park.
We-ve already analysed the players from all corners of the globe and now we bring you our speculative squad of 17 who may take on the Green Falcons.
Check back tomorrow at 11:30am (AEDT) to see Holger Osieck announce his squad live and exclusive through our network.
Goalkeepers: Nathan Coe - The Sonderjyske keeper has been playing plenty of football of late, which is more than can be said for any other of the European-based Aussie number 1-s. Mitch Langerak is warming the bench in Germany and Mark Schwarzer has just returned from his neck injury to Fulham-s first team.
Unfortunately for Coe, his team is leaking plenty of goals, the third-most in the Danish SuperLiga to be exact, which doesn-t necessarily help his cause.
Adam Federici: While Coe is leaking plenty of goals, Reading-s Adam Federici has picked very few out from his net as reading seek to gain promotion back into the EPL.
Schwarzer-s long-time understudy is really beginning to come into his own and if he comes back for this match then the No. 1 jersey should be his.
Left back: Josh Rose - With the left back position having been a huge problem for the Qantas Socceroos in the past Rose might just be the ideal candidate. As part of the stingiest defence in the A-League Rose has also impressed with his distribution skills for the Mariners and ability on the ball. He is strong and possesses a good cross, in a game where Osieck can trial players, Rose could very well get the nod.
Central Defender: Lucas Neill (c) - The Qantas Socceroos skipper will almost certainly take part and he should. Known for his ability to marshal his troops, he will be one of the first players picked by Osieck and will be keen to lead his team to another victory.
Central Defender: Sasa Ogenovski - While Neill is the man to control the defence, Ogenovski is the physical presence that is required and his partnership with Neill has blossomed nicely over time. At 1.95 metres not much beats him in the air and he also provides a great presence at the attacking end for set pieces.
Right back: Mark Milligan - Though he hit the deck more times than you could count against Brisbane Roar on Saturday night, Milligan has once again proven himself to be a reliable defender and as part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup squad should get the nod from Osieck here.
He has been impressive since returning to the Hyundai A-League from China and has helped the Victory immensely as they chase a finals berth.
Left wing: David Carney - Though he has seemingly had more clubs in the last period of his career, than games played, Carney-s footballing odyssey might see him return home to pull on the green and gold.
A mainstay of the team in recent times, his versatility should see him in the squad, regardless of his match fitness.
Attacking midfielder: Harry Kewell - The golden boy of Australian football revealed he got a ‘funny vibe- from Holger Osieck in the last training camp and questioned his own Qantas Socceroos- future and whether it was at stake.
His response since has been some scintillating football for the Victory, scoring thrice in his last two outings. Kewell appears to be a man on a mission and deserves to be picked; if he can play in a triangle behind two strikers it might just allow him to dominate the game.
Holding midfielder: Erik Paartalu - The Brisbane Roar star has not represented his country since Under 17 level, but that may be about to change. Fans and opposing players are starting to take notice of the statuesque Paartalu and it-s not just his physical presence but also his passing game that is getting the job done.
He should play here and his star is on the rise.
Right wing: Brett Emerton is nearly always up for a game for his beloved Qantas Socceroos and now that he is home it-s hard to imagine him missing a game on home soil.
Though he has struggled through some injuries this year, he is still Australia-s first choice in this position and his tireless workrate and quality has never been in doubt.
Strikers: Josh Kennedy - The big man is under an injury cloud but his form for his country has been superb as of late, eight goals in five matches for Holger Osieck and a brace against Saudi Arabia make him a must for this match if he is fit enough. Naturally he also provides a huge target up front.
Matt Simon - Known for his ability to use his bullocking style and body strength to score, Simon was one of the in-form strikers of the A-League before he headed to South Korea, as such his opportunity for his country might just come here and if he finds his best he could very well stake a claim to more appearances in the future.
Bench (including either Adam Federici or Nathan Coe):
Brent McGrath (striker): -The 20-year-old Brondby striker hasn-t been finding the net with regularity, but Holger Osieck obviously sees something in him after handing him his Qantas Socceroos debut against Germany. Always regarded as a huge talent he still has plenty of time to mature, but a start at home might just give him plenty of confidence.
Marc Bresciano (midfield): After a long hiatus from the national team there is a big tip Bresciano might make his return. He can still strike a mean free kick and has maintained all his tricks on the ball.
Nathan Burns (midfield): Though like Kennedy he is under an injury cloud Burns has been a staple in recent teams, albeit from the bench. Yet to make an appearance for Incheon United due to his injury a fit Burns from the bench could be a great attacking weapon.
Aziz Behich (defender): One of the more exciting prospects in the Hyundai A-League the Melbourne Heart left back is known for his fitness and daring runs down the left flank, if any Under 23 deserves his chance at the top side it might just be Behich.
Matthew Spiranovic (defender): Strong and resolute his talent is well-regarded by Holger Osieck and there is little doubt he can get the job done on the pitch. He should make the squad but will likely start from the bench.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author, not the FFA or anyone related with the national team.