class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Solid at the back but lacking cutting edge in attack, Al Hain-Cole expects Team GB to contest a tight Olympic quarter-final against the Matildas
Great Britain and Australia will both be aiming to reach their first ever Olympic Games semi-final when they face off at the Kashima Soccer Stadium on Friday.
Hege’s Riise’s team secured first place in their group thanks to a late own goal to draw 1-1 with Canada in the final group-stage match, having already beaten Chile and Japan.
Team GB vs Australia latest odds
Team GB are now 3/4 (1.75) favourites with bet365 to go one better than their only previous Olympics at London 2012 by progressing to the semi-finals with a win here.
Australia have reached the quarter-finals for their third successive Games but are 10/3 (4.33) outsiders to make it through to the next stage for the first time by coming out on top.
Both teams ended their group stage with a draw, and you can get odds of 5/2 (3.50) on them forcing extra-time by playing out yet another stalemate in this one.
Team GB vs Australia team news
Steph Houghton, Keira Walsh, Kim Little, Georgia Stanway, Lauren Hemp and Ellen White are all expected to return after being rested against Canada, while Fran Kirby will be hoping to make a first appearance after following her recovery from injury.
Tony Gustavsson is likely to stick with the same line-up that secured the 0-0 draw with the USA, with Chelsea striker Sam Kerr the player to watch after scoring three of her team’s four goals so far.
Team GB vs Australia preview
After drawing a blank for the first time this tournament in the goalless draw with the Americans, Kerr will be in for another tough challenge against a Team GB defence that has conceded just once in three games so far – the best record in the competition.
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However, Riise’s team will be rather concerned about their own lack of cutting edge after only scoring four goals in three solid yet unspectacular performances so far.
Indeed, this game could well follow a similar path to the Australians’ game against the USA, when they largely soaked up the pressure and looked to play on the counterattack.
Team GB vs Australia tips & predictions
With this in mind, odds of 4/5 (1.80) seem like solid value on under 2.5 goals being scored for Great Britain’s fourth match from four at this tournament.
All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.