Looking to boost their hopes of securing an unlikely top-two finish in Group C, Bahrain prepares to face Australia in a crucial AFC World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.

The two teams are neck-and-neck in the standings, with Bahrain sitting in fifth place on five points, just one point behind the second-placed Socceroos, who have six points.

Bahrain’s qualifying journey has been a rollercoaster, but being just a point shy of second after five matches would have seemed like a dream scenario when the campaign began. Their sensational opening win over Australia gave them a strong start, but they’ve struggled to maintain that momentum.

Draws against Saudi Arabia and Indonesia have kept their qualification hopes alive, though their most recent outing—a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to China—was a bitter pill to swallow. They conceded in stoppage time after having a potential goal overturned by VAR moments earlier.

Meanwhile, the Socceroos have had a turbulent run of their own, holding on to second place in Group C despite inconsistent performances. A disappointing 1-0 loss to Bahrain in their opener, followed by a goalless draw against Indonesia, prompted Graham Arnold to resign as head coach.

Since taking over, Tony Popovic has managed to avoid defeat in his first three games at the helm. The team earned a 3-1 win over China before settling for draws against Japan (1-1) and Saudi Arabia (0-0). Despite these results, their struggles in the attacking third persist, with a lack of creativity and finishing ability continuing to plague the team.

The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.

Bahrain vs. Socceroos live stream, TV channel

Here’s how to watch this World Cup qualifier match in Australia:

This game is not available for live TV broadcast in Australia. However, streaming options are available on Paramount+, who are offering a seven-day FREE trial for new customers on their streaming service.

What time does Bahrain vs. Socceroos Arabia kick off?

This World Cup qualifier takes place at Bahrain National Stadium, Bahrain, and kicks off on Tuesday, November 19, at 9:15 p.m. local time.

Here’s how that time translates across Australia:

Bahrain vs. Socceroos lineups, team news

Bahrain’s defeat to China could prompt a shift in strategy, with potential changes in line. Mahdi Al Humaidan is expected to be called up to start.

Waleed Al-Hayam will be unavailable for Bahrain in this critical matchup, as he serves a suspension following his stoppage-time red card against China last week. In his absence, Sayed Baqer is a strong candidate to step into the central defensive role.

The hosts will once again lean heavily on midfielder Mohamed Jasim Marhoon, who has been the team’s standout performer in this campaign. Marhoon remains the only Bahraini player to find the back of the net in qualifiers, having scored both of their goals so far.

Bahrain predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Lutfalla (GK) — Al-Shamsan, Benaddi, Baqer, El Khalassy — Madan, Haram, Saeed, Marhoon — Hasan, Al Humaidan.

Injured: None
Suspended: None

On the other hand, the Socceroos will be determined to break their scoring drought after dominating possession but failing to convert in a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia. Striker Mitchell Duke could be the key to unlocking Bahrain’s defense, as Australia looks to end its struggles in front of goal.

Defensively, Australia is expected to maintain consistency with a backline featuring Jason Geria, Harry Souttar, and Cameron Burgess. This trio impressed in their previous outing, restricting Saudi Arabia to just three shots on target.

In midfield, Luke Brattan will make way for Patrick Yazbek, who will take his place in the engine room.

Socceroos predicted XI (3-4-2-1, right to left): Gauci (GK) — Geria, Souttar, Burgess — Miller, Yazbek, Irvine, Bos — McGree, Hrustic, Duke.

Injured: None
Suspended: None

Bahrain vs. Socceroos prediction 

Socceroos may have lost their previous game against Bahrain, but they are undoubtedly the stronger side. Having held top teams like Japan to draws, Australia is likely to bounce back. We predict a win for the visitors on Tuesday night. 

• Prediction: Bahrain 0-1 Socceroos