Socceroos v UAE: Matthew Spiranovic, James Troisi likely to return to Australia’s first XI

THE introduction of James Troisi and Matthew Spiranovic are likely to be Ange Postecoglou’s only changes for Tuesday’s semifinal against UAE.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: James Troisi of Australia smiles during the 2015 Asian Cup match between China PR and the Australian Socceroos at Suncorp Stadium on January 22, 2015 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

ANGE Postecoglou has taken a swipe at those suggesting the Socceroos have dodged an Asian Cup semi-final bullet by drawing UAE instead of Japan.

The Socceroos boss will make at least two changes for tonight’s clash at Hunter Stadium, Newcastle, with defender Matthew Spiranovic set to replace Alex Wilkinson.

The other change will come in midfield, with Brisbane Roar’s Matt McKay and Belgian-based James Troisi pushing for a start.

Veteran Mark Bresciano is the only other player set to make way, with Postecoglou resisting mass rotation after making seven changes for the China quarter-final.

But Postecoglou warned his players against complacency against underdogs UAE.

“People can project who’s going to be tougher, but if a team makes the semi-final they’re made of pretty stern stuff,’’ Postecoglou said.

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“While it’s easy to write a script at the start of the tournament about who the best teams are, the best teams are the ones that make the final ad the best team is the one that wins it, and that’s yet to be written.

“Everyone pulled up really well from the quarter-final, we’ve got a full list of 22 to select from and everyone’s in good condition.

“We’ve had a look at the opposition in the last couple of days and we’ll make some changes, they’ll be designed to put out a team we think can be successful tomorrow night.’’

A surprise pick for China ahead of Aziz Behich, Jason Davidson is expected to retain his berth at leftback ahead thanks to his attacking prowess - as exemplified by his cross for Tim Cahil’s second goal against China.

Though fatigued, young midfielder Massimo Luongo was set to make a fifth Asian Cup start, with captain Mile Jedinak fit to keep his place at the base of the Socceroos midfield.

UAE coach Mahdi Ali will bring Walid Abbas back in at leftback, after suspension, while work-horse Mohamed Abdulrahman could come into the side to offer more defensive solidity in midfield.

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With their hotel beseiged by fans in green and gold since their arrival in Newcastle, and a sell-out expected at Hunter Stadium tonight (the capacity reduced to 22,000 by tournament regulations), the players anticipate being driven on by another passionate crowd. After sell-outs in Melbourne and Brisbane, and 50,000 fans at ANZ Stadium, Postecoglou said they would be bouyed by the occasion, not burdened.

“I’m not the one playing, but I haven’t sensed anything different in the players,” he said.

“They have embraced the tournament from the start. They have loved playing in Australia.

“I have said all along, keeping them away from here they have missed the comforts of home of playing in front of a home crowd. I certainly think it has brought out the best in a lot of player sin last few weeks.’’