Another high-stakes encounter looms for the Socceroos against Saudi Arabia on Thursday night in Melbourne, where their World Cup hopes will again go on the line.

With Japan the standout in Group C, it’s looking like a head-to-head battle between these two nations for the second direct qualification slot for the 2026 World Cup.

He’s back: Herve Renard.Credit: Getty

It’s almost the halfway point of this qualifying stage and Australia and Saudi Arabia are tied on five points; the winner will move into pole position, the loser will be at huge risk of missing out, while a draw … well, that’ll do nothing for no-one.

We take a look at the big questions surrounding the clash at AAMI Park.

It sure helped the Socceroos last month. They were Tony Popovic’s first matches in charge since Graham Arnold’s sudden departure. And yes, it got a little nervy early on against China, but overall, new life was successfully breathed into Australia’s campaign: they unveiled a new system, a new style with some new faces, and came away with four points, including an unexpected 1-1 draw with Japan.

Will the Saudis get a similar benefit? This game will be the first match of Herve Renard’s second stint, with their federation having dropped the axe on Roberto Mancini - hitherto the highest-paid coach in international football - after a sluggish........

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