There’s more than three points at stake in the Big Blue for Thomas Deng and Rhyan Grant

Socceroos boss Graham Arnold may be the most interested observer of Sunday night’s A-League Big Blue and it’s got nothing to do with his Sydney FC history.

Thomas Deng at Socceroos training.

SOCCEROOS boss Graham Arnold may be the most interested observer of Sunday night’s Big Blue and it’s got nothing to do with his Sydney FC history.

Melbourne Victory’s Tommy Deng is scrapping with the Sky Blues’ Rhyan Grant for an elusive Asian Cup berth and right-back is the only “exclusively A-League” spot.

Grant and Deng are battling to oust incumbent Josh Risdon.

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Western Sydney’s Risdon performed with distinction at the 2018 World Cup but Arnold wants competition for places.

Grant secured an early edge after he was handed a debut in Tuesday’s win over Lebanon.

Victory travels to Sydney confident after two straight wins and Sweden World Cup star Ola Toivonen is a chance to make his first start for the season.

Melbourne Victory defender Thomas Deng.

Sydney FC’s Rhyan Grant on his Socceroos debut.

Deng, who made his Socceroos debut in the win away to Kuwait in October when fellow African refugee Awer Mabil netted, admitted this match would be a factor in the selection battle.

“It’s a massive (individual) battle. I’m happy to be involved (with the Socceroos) and I know I’m in the mix somewhere,’’ Deng said.

“Now for me it’s just really important to play well in the A-League and try to press as much as I can (for selection). I’ll see how I go with the Asian Cup if selected.

“Every camp is a good experience, learning from Arnie and also Rene (Meulensteen). Every session I’m trying to learn from the players and coaches.

“Compared to the first camp, you’re a bit more familiar with the players and coaches and more comfortable. It’s not as nerve-racking.”

The Sky Blues’ nomadic existence — with Allianz Stadium being renovated — will be boosted with a full house expected at Jubilee Stadium for a replay of last season’s dramatic semi-final, when villain Terry Antonis turned Victory hero.

Graham Arnold talks to Tim Cahill before his Socceroos farewell.

Deng, who was superb after being shifted from right-back to stopper literally minutes before kick-off when Rhys Williams injured his calf in warm-up, is expected to continue in the central role alongside German Georg Niedermeier.

Fox Sports commentator Mark Bosnich said Deng’s versatility could give him an edge when Arnold has to crunch his squad down to 23 for the Asian Cup defence.

“It’s a definite battle between Tommy Deng and Rhyan Grant. One thing I must say about Deng is that he can also play at centre-back and Graham Arnold needs to take that into consideration and I think he well,’’ Bosnich said.

“The battle between them and Risdon, who rightfully holds the (position), will it just be for right-back when you’ve got Deng playing as he is at centre-back.

“There’s question marks in central defence as well. Someone like Deng is the future.

“This will be a marvellous battle between the teams. It was a magnificent semi-final last season and Sydney will be up for revenge.”