Need for speed the answer to topple Thailand

Caltex Socceroos winger says speed will be the key to unlocking Thailand’s defence in Tuesday night’s must-win FIFA World Cup qualifier in Melbourne.

Explainer: Caltex Socceroos' task against Thailand

SOCCEROOS’ NEED FOR SPEED

Like they did in the loss to Japan last week, the Caltex Socceroos are likely to dominate possession and field position against Thailand.

The visitors are likely to put plenty of men behind the ball, and Leckie says the speed of ball movement will be vital if Australia hopes to rack up a big score.

"The ultimate topic we spoke about was that the ball movement was too slow," Leckie told reporters on Sunday.

"With Japan playing very defensive, we let them get back into their formation and sorted in their own half very easily.

"We were just disappointed...there was evidence we could've caused Japan lots of problems. If we moved the ball quicker and went forward faster we could have definitely found gaps."

Brad Smith goes down under a mis-timed tackle from a Japanese defender.

LECKIE KEEN TO MAKE IMPACT

Playing in a wing-back role in Ange Postecoglou’s 3-2-4-1 formation, Leckie has been mixing defensive duties with trying to get forward and help out in the front third.

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He hopes to play a more positive role in attack against the Thais.

"I think we'll have more possession and hopefully that gives the opportunity to the wing-backs to get forward," Leckie said.

"If we can get on top of Thailand push them back into their own half, it'll definitely give us the opportunity to get high.

"We need goals and towards the end of the game we might have to take some risks as well."

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