Popovic Backs Similar Starting Line-Up Against Saudis

Socceroos Face Crucial Match

Australia coach Ange Postecoglou is expected to field a nearly unchanged team in the Socceroos' friendly with Saudi Arabia on Friday night.

Australia to face Saudi Arabia in a crucial match

Ange Postecoglou likely to field a similar starting line-up

The friendly is part of Australia's preparation for the World Cup.

The friendly in Jeddah is part of Australia's preparations for the World Cup in Russia, which starts in June.

The Socceroos lost their last friendly 4-1 to Norway, but Postecoglou said he was happy with the performance of his players.

"We're still a work in progress, but I thought we showed some good things against Norway," Postecoglou said.

"We've got a lot of young players in the squad, and they're still learning. But I'm confident that we'll be ready for the World Cup."

Australia will face France, Denmark and Peru in Group C at the World Cup.

Sydney FC coach Ante Popovic has backed a similar starting line-up for the Socceroos' friendly with Saudi Arabia.

Popovic, who has worked with many of the players in the squad, said he believes the team has the potential to do well at the World Cup.

"I think Ange has got a good squad, and I think he's got a good plan," Popovic said.

"The players are all very talented, and they're all very committed. I think they can do very well at the World Cup."

The Socceroos will play their final friendly before the World Cup against Hungary on June 9.