Jedinak: We've done our homework on 'tricky' Kuwait

Iain Strachan

Jedinak: We've done our homework on 'tricky' Kuwait image

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Kuwait sacked Brazilian Jorvan Vieira in December following their group-stage exit from the Gulf Cup, with Tunisian Nabil Maaloul recruited as his replacement.

Maaloul has led his new side in just one official friendly since then, a 1-1 draw with Iraq on December 23.

According to Socceroos skipper Jedinak, the Asian Cup hosts have spent the last week studying their first Group A foes closely, but it remains to be seen how much of that information will remain relevant when the competition kicks off at AAMI Park on Friday night.

"We've analysed them as a group," the Crystal Palace captain said.

"We've been given the time to analyse them. They're very quick on the break, their wide players are very tricky going forward. They're a handful. (They were) unlucky not to get through at the Gulf Cup. We know we're going to have our work cut out (for us) that's for sure.

"We've also looked at our own game and how we're going to counter act that. Hopefully with all the practice we've had in the last week to 10 days, we'll be rewarded out there tomorrow night."

Australia coach Postecoglou meanwhile was diplomatic when asked what impact the sudden departure of Vieira and the recent appointment of Maaloul would have on Kuwait at a major tournament.

"That depends on how he's been received by the players," he said.

"They've obviously had just the one game since he's been in charge, we watched that game and there were some differences in the line-up and minor changes in the way they play.

"But sometimes a change of coach can be a boost to the playing group.  We're not going to put too much stock on the fact they may be underprepared. We're going to be prepared for them to be at their best and whatever the outcome is, we'll see."

Iain Strachan