Socceroos to learn Asian Cup opponents
The Socceroos will hope to avoid Middle Eastern opponents in the Asian Cup draw early Saturday (AEST) as they seek a smooth passage to the knockout phase of the tournament.
While eyes are firmly fixed on Saturday's A-League grand final, with June's World Cup looming in the background, the Socceroos' next task will be confirmed in Dubai this weekend.
The 2019 Asian Cup, hosted by United Arab Emirates, will take place in January.
Graham Arnold will be the Socceroos coach, charged with defending the crown won by Ange Postecoglou back in 2015.
The good news for Arnold and the team is the tournament's expansion to 24 teams should make progression to the knockout rounds easier.
But there are still roadblocks of both known and unknown quantities.
As the world No.40, Australia is seeded and cannot be paired with UAE, Iran, Japan, South Korea or Saudi Arabia.
Recent World Cup qualifying opponents Syria, Iraq and Thailand - all of whom Australia failed to beat on their away qualifiers - loom as the most challenging opponents.
Given Australia's underwhelming record in the Middle East, FFA believe their best chances of topping the group will come by avoiding the countries that are used to the conditions.
Six groups of four will be drawn, with two teams to progress from each group, as well as the four best third-placed finishers.
Whatever the group, Australia will be favoured to reach to the final 16.
There's also the chance of a 'Group of Stans' - with Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan one possible combination.
The expansion to 24 nations has allowed three nations - Philippines, Yemen and Kyrgyzstan - to make their debuts.
Australia could also notch a first-ever match with Turkmenistan, Palestine and Yemen.
The Asian Cup takes place in seven stadia in four UAE cities from January 5 next year, with the final to be hosted in Abu Dhabi on February 1.
The FFA contingent in Dubai for the draw will also be looking to firm up Australia's international calendar leading into the tournament, with windows in September, October and November all to be filled.
