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Australian-born New Zealand U23 keeper Rhyss Keane was part of two recent friendlies in Melbourne against the Saudis.

The Saudis, who’ve been in town for more than two weeks for their do-or-die clash with Australia, played an NZ U23 side at Lakeside followed by a Kiwi ‘A’ team at Epping Stadium.

The Saudis won 3-0 and 6-0 respectively, dominating their opponent as expected.

But while Keane was hugely impressed by Saudi's attacking capability, he sensed the Aussies would take a physical edge into tonight’s clash.

“They obviously won against us easy but they are quite a small side in terms of their physiques so against the Socceroos they might struggle,” Keane told au.fourfourtwo.com.

He added that the Saudis were unhappy that the Kiwis had two players sent off in the second game, as they were desperate for as tough a contest as possible.

And in terms of formations, they mixed it up over the two clashes, said Keane.

“They were very dangerous in their attacking third," he said. "They were playing in behind pretty much all the time.

“If they are allowed to play their short passing game, they can do well. They pass well. They probably could’ve had more shots on goal.

“They were quite patient in their build up but when they decided to go, they went with pace.

“I don’t think it’ll be as easy as everyone thinks, but I think the Socceroos will have too much class – as long as they don’t let the Saudis play too much.”

The visitors need a win to confirm qualification through to the fourth round of 2014 World Cup Asian qualifiers.

Oman and Thailand play in Muscat to make for a tense night across the AFC with all three nations capable of going through in the group.

But if Saudi coach Frank Rijkaard was feeling the pressure he wasn’t showing it at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference ahead of his team’s do-or-die tie.

Rijkaard - who opted to speak Spanish at the official pre-match press conference, which was translated into Arabic then English - said his approach would reflect the game’s seriousness.

“It’s an important game for us obviously, so we will play in a balanced way,” said the former Barcelona coach.

“If we rely heavily on offence we might concede goals so we must have a balanced approach.”

Visiting Saudi journalists said later that Rijkaard has experimented with his formations since taking control of the Green Falcons in mid 2011.

As such it remains unclear which way the Dutchman will set out his side or if star striker Yasser Al Qahtani will be part of the run-on side.

The Socceroos comfortably won the last encounter between the two sides 3-1 in Dammam last September.

Rijkaard pointed out that it was played in the Holy month of Ramadan, which restricted his players’ ability to perform.

Rijkaard added: "Now we are in a better physical condition for this match and our league was in its early stages. Now it’s in the middle of the season so this is a totally different stage.”

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