It’s back to club football for our Caltex Socceroos and some of them are going to be involved in some huge matches over the next week.
Before the crucial FIFA World Cup Qualifying play-off matches against Syria next month, here’s what some of Aussie boys have to look forward to over the next seven days.
‘REAL’ BIG DEBUT FOR MITCH
Gloveman Mitch Langerak missed the Caltex Socceroos recent matches against Japan and Thailand to finalise his move to La Liga outfit Levante.
And his first game for his new club this weekend is the small matter of a trip to the Bernabeu Stadium to face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid.
TOMMY’S NEYMAR MATCH-UP
While he has a Scottish Premier League clash with Hamilton this weekend, Tommy Rogic’s focus could well be on the start of Celtic’s UEFA Champions League group stage campaign next week.
The Hoops host PSG in their opening group game next Wednesday morning (AEST), meaning he’ll be up against the likes of Neymar, Edison Cavani and new French starlet Kylian Mbappe.
RETURN OF THE JEDI?
Aston Villa’s Championship clash with Brentford won’t dominate the headlines in Europe over the weekend but it could be a significant match for one Caltex Socceroo.
Skipper Mile Jedinak could make his first appearance of the season after his rehabilitation from a groin injury.
Elsewhere in the Championship, Jackson Irvine could make his Hull City debut in their trip to Derby County, while keeper Adam Federici will be hoping for his first appearance at new club Nottingham Forest against Sheffield Wednesday.
BIG GAMES FOR OUR EPL BOYS
Aaron Mooy will hope his dream start to life in the Premier League continues as his unbeaten Huddersfield Town travel to London to face winless West Ham.
Fresh from his first EPL clean sheet, Maty Ryan should be in goal for Brighton’s home clash with high-flying West Brom, while Brad Smith should be in the squad as AFC Bournemouth take on under-pressure Arsenal.