Preview: Australia v Oman

Venue & Time: Rajamangala National Stadium, Bangkok, July 8, 20:20 AEST

Head to Head: Never met

Form: The Socceroos looked shaky during their final warm-up game when they were fortunate to beat lowly Singapore - which did not even qualify for the Asian Cup finals - 3-0. Meanwhile Oman showed signs that it will be no pushover for the Australians by holding the highly-respected Saudis to a 1-1 draw in their final warm-up match.

Worries: The Socceroos might be favourites to lift the Asian Cup at their first attempt but Graham Arnold's team have no shortage of concerns heading into the opening match with star midfielder Marco Bresciano struggling to be fit due to a toe injury while left-back Luke Wilkshire is in doubt with an ankle injury - placing further pressure on a defence already struggling to cope with the absence of World Cup stars Craig Moore and Scott Chipperfield. Oman's biggest concern, like all teams that will have to face Australia over the next month, is how to deal with the aerial threat posed by the Socceroos, who will keen to maximise their natural height and strength advantage against the smaller Asian nations.

Danger man:
AUSTRALIA: Mark Viduka: The Australian captain is arguably in career best form, having enjoyed a stellar end to the last English Premier League season with Middlesbrough before his high profile switch to Newcastle. Viduka almost retired from international football to concentrate on his new club but his presence looms as crucial to Australian hopes over the next three weeks. With his height, strength and ability to bring his teammates into the game with his great skills, he looms as a major headache for the Oman defence on Sunday.

OMAN: Ali Al Habsi: The Socceroos' attack might be a handful for Oman on Sunday but at least they can relax in the knowledge they have one of the best keepers at the tournament in goal for them. This 25-year-old, who has been named the best keeper at the past two Gulf Cups, became the first player from Oman ever to play in Europe when he joined Norwegian side FC Lyn Oslo before he secured a dream move to the EPL where he is currently the number two keeper at Bolton Wanderers.

We Think: This won't be no walk in the park for the Socceroos against an Oman side ranked number seven in Asia. With the Australians still acclimatising to the fierce humidity of Bangkok and with the team having several injury worries and a makeshift defence, don't be surprised if Oman give the Socceroos a real contest. However with the class of Viduka and Harry Kewell up front, it's hard to see the Australians even being held to a draw much less losing but it wouldn't be a surprise if their understrength defence conceded one at the other end. AUSTRALIA to win 3-1.