Scoring goals against top tier opponents remains a burning issue, but keeping clean sheets in the months ahead en route to the 2026 Big Show co-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico has never looked more plausible.
 
With coach Graham Arnold typically relying on a four at the back system, two of his key assets will likely have to miss out on match days as he struggles to juggle the likes of Harry Souttar, Alessandro Circati, Kye Rowles and Cameron Burgess.
 
That will likely be the case again going into September’s clash against Bahrain on the Gold Coast.
 
As assistant coach Rene Meulensteen puts it: “Arnie and I have been saying to each other that it’s going to be a real struggle to fit all the best players in.
 
“Competition for those centre back positions is immense and it’s hard to split players of the calibre of Harry, Kye, Alessandro and Cam. They all have different qualities and they’re all very accomplished at what they do.
 
“Really, we’re spoiled for choice and tough calls will have to be made every time we play.”
 
Much may hinge on how each of the Fab Four are faring at the club level going into any particular qualifier, starting in Queensland on September 3.
 
“We have so many good options in those positions - for instance Cam (of newly promoted Ipswich) has done really well since he came in for us - he’s come on in leaps and bounds for both club and country.
 
“And now the Premier League will present a really different challenge for him. He’s come through the ranks from League One, through the Championship and now the Premier League.
“It will be interesting to see how he keeps pace.”
 
With Burgess’ elevation comes a likely demotion for Souttar, who has languished in the shadows at new EPL arrivals Leicester City since Brendan Rodgers’ departure for Celtic, and now looks set to return to the second tier on a season long loan at either Sheffield United or possibly former club Stoke City.
 
That eventuality would at least afford the strapping stopper much sought game time whilst Burgess, a perennial starter for the Tractor Boys last season, might struggle to feature each week in the EPL as Kieran McKenna ads depth to his squad.
 
There appear no such problems for Circati, a rising star at Serie A newcomers Parma already being eyed off by the likes of Roma.
 
“He’s a very talented boy, a strong character and very good on the ball,” added Meulensteen. “If he has a strong season I wouldn’t be surprised to see a bigger club come in for him.
 
“He’s a confident kid will bags of potential. He’s not as tall as Harry or Cam but he understands the game superbly and rarely gets out-jumped in the air.
 
“The key for him is not to get injured and he can go far in the game with raw materials he already has at his disposal. I believe we’re lucky to have him.”
 
Meulensteen is hoping Souttar’s future is sorted out soon after too long languishing in the wings at club level.
 
“Harry’s been great for us and a huge asset, especially in terms of the danger he poses at set pieces,” he said.
 
“He obviously wants to be playing each week at club level and if he needs to move to make that happen then all well and good.”
 
Meulensteen believes Hearts defender Rowles hasn’t received the acknowledgment he deserves at times during a career where he’s operated somewhat beneath the radar.
 
“I think he’s quite similar to Alessandro, despite being left footed. They’re both very secure in possession, read the game instinctively and are quick off the mark.
 
“It’s good that we’ve got so much variety in those defensive positions - and I think all four will play a big part in this next phase of qualifying.”
 
Arnold has occasionally experimented with three at the back, but prefers a system which took the Socceroos to the knock stages in Qatar and is well rehearsed and understood by his squad.
 
“With World Cup qualifiers you don’t have that many opportunities to experiment but playing with a three is something that’s at times crossed our minds and has been used as a fall back. But we’ve been very successful with the format we’ve used up to now,” Meulensteen stressed.
 
“Competition is good. There are lots of games to come - it’s a marathon not a sprint. All our centre backs are on an equal footing. We don’t have any favourites at this stage, and there’s everything to play for.”