Poll results: The two changes Caltex Socceroos fans want for Hungary XI
The Caltex Socceroos take on Hungary on Sunday morning in the side's final friendly before the FIFA World Cup™.
Before the match, which gets underway at 1.30am AEST on Sunday, live on Fox Sports and Network Ten, we opened up the opportunity for fans to vote for who they think should start the last hit-out before the opening Group C encounter with France.
The count is in and Caltex Socceroos fans have voted for two changes to the side that started the comprehensive 4-0 win over the Czech Republic.
Here's who you've picked for the Caltex Socceroos' starting XI to take on Hungary in Budapest.
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GOALKEEPER
Mathew Ryan (89%) has started all but one of the Caltex Socceroos' last 11 fixtures (Australia's 0-0 draw with Colombia in March) and was the overwhelming choice to hold his place between the sticks. Brad Jones and Danny Vukovic were each afforded 45 minutes each in that Colombia clash and will be eager to demonstrate their value should either be granted playing time against Hungary.
RIGHT BACK
Josh Risdon (92%) was highly impressive against the Czech Republic and as the only specialist right back in the Caltex Socceroos’ squad, the Western Sydney Wanderers man earned the nod ahead of the adaptable Milos Degenek.
CENTRE BACK PAIRING
Caltex Socceroos fans are keen to see Trent Sainsbury (71%) and Matthew Jurman (48%) pair up the first time on the right and left of central defence.
Mark Milligan and Milos Degenek were the other two options, with Milligan earning 30% of the vote to partner Sainsbury.
LEFT BACK
Aziz Behich (90%) has played every minute of the Caltex Socceroos pre-Russia friendlies and was your overwhelming favourite to start against Hungary ahead of James Meredith. The Bursaspor flyer has completed the 90 minutes in each of Australia's previous five matches and continues to offer impressive attacking threat overlapping from the left flank.
CENTRE MIDFIELD PAIRING
In two polls to determine the deeper midfield positions, Aaron Mooy (88%) was the first name fans picked from a strong group containing Mile Jedinak, Massimo Luongo and Jackson Irvine.
Massimo Lungo (57%) was asked to occupy the other half of the two-man unit and continue the partnership he formed with Mooy last match, although captain Jedinak also claimed a large chunk of the vote.
ATTACKING MIDFIELD
Caltex Socceroos fans have decided to hand Tom Rogic (85%) the keys to Australia's midfield after the Celtic wizard received the majority of votes for the number 10 position against Hungary. Rogic ousted Dimitri Petratos and Jackson Irvine in the poll, highlighting his importance in connecting midfield and attack.
RIGHT WING
Right winger Matthew Leckie (79%) is heavily fancied to continue the form that netted him a brace last time out, with the Hertha Berlin speedster keeping his preferred position from Daniel Arzani, Andrew Nabbout and Dimitri Petratos. Can he maintain his red-hot form?
LEFT WING
Following his goal and industrious all-round performance leading the line against the Czech Republic, you’ve voted for Andrew Nabbout (69%) to be rewarded with a start on the left against Hungary. Nabbout edged out Robbie Kruse and Dimitri Petratos in the voting.
STRIKER
With four varying striking options up for selection, fans have decided Jamie Maclaren (59%) should front Australia's attack against Hungary on Sunday morning. Having come from the outer to force his way into Bert van Marwijk's 23-man squad, Maclaren's speed and predatory instincts in the box could prove crucial in Russia. He's favoured on this occasion ahead of Tomi Juric, Tim Cahill, and Andrew Nabbout.
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