SYDNEY - Australia welcome back captain Mile Jedinak as the Socceroos face undefeated China in the Asian Cup quarter-finals on Thursday, with South Korea and Uzbekistan also squaring off for a semi-final berth.
Australia's Mathew Leckie (L) congratulates Mile Jedinak (C) and Tim Cahill after a goal during the first round Asian Cup football match between Australia and Kuwait in Melbourne on January 9, 2015
Jedinak returns for the Socceroos after injuring an ankle in the tournament's opening fixture, while talisman Tim Cahill and forwards Robbie Kruse and Mathew Leckie are also expected to start.
Australia boss Ange Postecoglou rested the trio for Saturday's 1-0 final Group A loss to South Korea but the coach cannot take any risks against the Chinese with a last-four spot up for grabs.
Postecoglou is also expected to replace suspended centre-back Matthew Spiranovic with K-League defender Alex Wilkinson for the 8:30 pm (1030 GMT) kick-off in Brisbane.
China boss Alain Perrin will wait to the last minute to see if his inspirational skipper, Zheng Zhi, is fit after the midfielder injured his back in Sunday's win over North Korea.
The 34-year-old captain is crucial to China's bid for a first-ever Asian Cup title as they look for a fourth consecutive victory Down Under.
Former Portsmouth boss Perrin believes the Aussies are the favourites, however, because they are at home and have had more time to prepare.
"We have one day less recovery time than Australia," said the Frenchman.
The winner is likely to play defending champions Japan in the semis on Tuesday.
In Thursday's other quarter-final, injury-hit South Korea continue their quest for a first Asian Cup title in 55 years against 2011 semi-finalists Uzbekistan.
Taeguk Warriors boss Uli Stielike has seen two players, Lee Chung-Yong and Koo Ja-Cheol, leave the tournament with injuries, and will be hoping others struck by a flu bug during the group stage are 100 percent fit.
Uzbekistan are seeking vengeance after the Koreans denied them a place at the 2014 World Cup on goal difference in their qualifying group.
"We always remember how that felt," said coach Mirdjalal Kasimov. "We want revenge and we promise to do everything we can to get it."
Kick-off is at 6:30 pm (0730 GMT) in Melbourne.
+ Hosts Australia take on undefeated China
+ South Korea v Uzbekistan in Melbourne