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Recommended bets
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Match preview
Group D’s two outsiders go head-to-head in Al Wakrah, both craving a rare World Cup victory.
Tunisia managed to get off the mark on matchday one, holding Denmark to a hard-fought goalless draw at Education City Stadium.
It was a game of few chances, particularly from Tunisia’s point of view, with just one of their 13 shots finding the target.
This coming when Issam Jebali raced through, only to be denied by a stunning save from Kasper Schmeichel.
The Eagles of Carthage are making their sixth World Cup appearance and, to date, their only victories have come against Mexico in 1978 and Panama four years ago.
However, if Jalel Kadri’s team do manage to add to those, they’ll give themselves a more than decent chance of reaching the round of 16.
When Craig Goodwin tapped home at the back post, converting Mathew Leckie’s cross, the Socceroos were dreaming of a famous win over France.
Les Bleus equalised shortly after though, eventually running out 4-1 winners and, in truth, it could’ve been more.
For Australia, they’re now winless in seven World Cup matches, victorious in just one of their last 13 outings at this competition.
Most expected Graham Arnold’s team to finish bottom of this group, probably without a point to their name, with this certainly their best chance of a victory.
The only previous competitive meeting between these two came at the 2005 Confederations Cups, with Tunisia prevailing 2-0 in Leipzig.
Will this one go the same way at Al Janoub Stadium?
Tunisia team news
Jalel Kadri deployed a rather conservative 5-2-3 against Denmark, which is fair enough in a tough match-up.
It’ll be interesting to see if the wing-backs are more adventurous here, which could see Ali Maâloul come in for Ali Abdi on the left.
Further forward, talisman Wahbi Khazri was only on the bench on Tuesday, but could start this time.
Similarly, Hannibal Mejbri, on loan from Manchester United at Birmingham, is also an option to come into the XI.
Predicted XI (5-4-1): Dahmen; Dräger, Talbi, Meriah, Bronn, Abdi; Skhiri, Laïdouni, Mejbri, Msakni; Jebali.
Australia team news
Midfielder Ajdin Hrustić, who won the Europa League with Frankfurt last season, didn’t feature against France as he’s only just back after injury.
However, he’ll be desperate to start this one, possibly displacing Riley McGree.
Craig Goodwin’s goal on Tuesday could see him keep his place, chosen over Awer Mabil.
Captain Mat Ryan will make his eighth World Cup appearance in goal, still seeking a first clean sheet at the competition.
Predicted XI (4-5-1): Ryan; Atkinson, Souttar, Rowles, Behich; Mooy, Hrustić, Irvine, Leckie, Goodwin; Duke.
Tunisia vs Australia: Head to head statistics
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