In their first match on home soil in over two years, the Socceroos host Saudi Arabia at Western Sydney Stadium on Thursday night at 8:10pm (AEDT).
Watch all of the action LIVE & FREE on Channel 10 (except for Perth audiences, who can watch on 10 Bold) & simulcast on 10 Play!
After suffering defeat against Japan to end a historic 11 game winning streak in their last outing, the Socceroos will be looking to bounce back against an in-form Saudi Arabia.
The Green Falcons have won all four of their group games to date and have conceded just three goals in the process.
While Saudi Arabia are undefeated at the top of Group B, the Socceroos welcome fans back into a stadium on home soil for the first time since October 2019 when Australia defeated Nepal 5-0 in Canberra.
The side had a small taste of fans being back in a stadium during their last match when 100 lucky Australians witnessed the Socceroos lose 2-1 to Japan at the Saitama Stadium, but Thursday night's match will be a whole different experience.
A win against Saudi Arabia will snatch top spot in Group B and go a long way to securing a historic fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup.
Returning to the squad for the camp is Melbourne City FC’s Mathew Leckie, Jamie Maclaren, and Andrew Nabbout.
The trio will bring experience and attacking firepower in the absence of Tom Rogic and Aaron Mooy, who have both been ruled out of the camp due to injury and COVID-19 regulations.
The sole uncapped player in the squad is former Central Coast Mariners utility Gianni Stensness, who is now playing his football in Norway with Viking FK.
Saudi Arabia on the other hand are without their starting goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, who has been unable to recover from an injury sustained against China in their last match.
Australia have played Saudi Arabia eight times with five victories, two draws and one defeat. The last time the two faced off was in FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifying when Australia defeated Saudi Arabia 3-2 in Adelaide in 2017.
With plenty on the line for both sides, the match has all the makings of an enthralling encounter.
Elsewhere in Group B, Japan travel to Hanoi to play Vietnam while China host Oman on neutral ground in the United Arab Emirates.
How to watch
Yet again October's matches will be broadcast live and free on Australia's 'Home of Football,' Network Ten.
Most Australians can watch the action live on Channel 10, apart from Perth audiences who can watch on 10 Bold.
Fans nationwide can stream the action wherever they are via 10 Play app and website.
To watch all of the latest involving Socceroos and the rest of Asian Qualifying, Australian football fans can visit https://10play.com.au/socceroos.
For fans based outside of Australia, click here to read about how you can continue to access the action.
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ – AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar (Final Round)
Matchday 5: Australia v Saudi Arabia
Date: Thursday, 11 November 2021
Venue: Western Sydney Stadium, Parramatta
Kick-off: 8:10pm AEDT
Tickets: Please click here for ticketing information
Broadcast: Live and free in Australia on Channel 10 (except for Perth audiences, who can watch on 10 Bold) & simulcast on 10 Play
MORE DETAILS: How to watch Socceroos v Saudi Arabia
How to buy tickets
As Australia opens up, fans will be able to take their place in the stands Western Sydney Stadium to welcome back the Socceroos upon their long-awaited return.
Ticket allocations are limited, and no walk-up sales will be made at the ground, so make sure you get in early to ensure you don’t miss out!
Fans wishing to attend will be required to comply with NSW Government Health regulations:
• Under NSW Health orders, all adult ticket holders (16+) will need to be fully vaccinated;
• All ticket holders (16+) will need to complete an acknowledgment during the ticket purchasing process to confirm that everyone in their group is fully vaccinated;
• All ticket holders (16+) will need to provide evidence of their vaccination status prior to entering the Stadium. Children under 16 years of age do not need to be fully vaccinated, however must be accompanied by a person who is a member of the child’s household and fully vaccinated.
• Patrons from regional NSW and interstate can purchase tickets to attend this event. Please keep up to date with interstate travel restrictions for your return journey. Patrons who have been to a venue or area of concern as stated on the NSW Health Concerns Notice in the 14 days prior to match day will not be permitted to enter the venue.
Further information on transport, Stadium access and requirements for fans in the venue will be available in the coming days.
Football Account pre-sale commenced on Monday, 1 November 2021 at 10am AEDT, with General Public will able to purchase tickets from from Wednesday, 3 November 2021 at 12pm AEDT.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS FOR SOCCEROOS V SAUDI ARABIA!
World Ranking
Australia: 34
Saudi Arabia: 49
Current standings
What they said
Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold
"The Saudis are coming off a good run but they’ve had the luxury, if I can say that, of playing seven out of their eight games at home and in the Middle East, and we’ve played 11 out of 12 away from home.
“Our home crowd will bring a lot of energy onto the field, and I know that it might be small tactically but the energy that the crowd will bring to our players will be a huge addition.
“I always send the boys out onto the pitch expecting to win the game and to play on the front foot and get in the opposition's faces.
“I do believe that with the goals we've scored in the campaign and being up there as one of the leading goal scoring nations in Asia, we do put a lot of pressure on the opposition and don't let them get out of their half.
“You've seen me make changes many, many times to the front line to keep that pressure going, and we will do exactly the same here in Sydney and the energy will be huge.“
Socceroos’ November Schedule
Matchday 5: Australia v Saudi Arabia
Date: Thursday, 11 November 2021
Venue: Western Sydney Stadium, Parramatta
Kick-off: 8:05pm AEDT
Tickets: Please click here for ticketing information
Broadcast: Live and free in Australia on Channel 10 (10 Bold in Perth) and simulcast on 10 Play
Matchday 6: China PR v Australia
Date: Tuesday, 16 November 2021
Venue: Sharjah Stadium, United Arab Emirates
Kick-off: TBC
Broadcast: Live and free in Australia on Network 10 and simulcast on 10 Play