Japan are five points clear in Group C after four games with Australia, the Saudis and Bahrain all level behind them and in a race to take second spot.
The top two will seal their place at the 2026 World Cup in North America, with third and fourth going into another round of Asian qualifying.
The Socceroos face Renard's team today before heading to Bahrain next week.
"We expect a very energetic, determined side, maybe desperate to get a result," Popovic said of Saudi Arabia.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Walk Of Stars for Mes/dan success
First run in 2014, the Dubai Creek Mile (Listed) has been a key prep for the Al Maktoum Mile, the first major race for dirt milers in the UAE.
Alchahine stands out in Abu Dhabi
The return of smart HM Alchahine headlines the seven-race card at Abu Dhabi tomorrow.
Paisley Park to show he still has a winning touch
One has to go back to December 2022 to find the last time Paisley Park was led into the winner's enclosure.
Cup draw function sets the tone
Murphy adds international flair to meeting.
Star power falls short
Hollywood stars including Eva Longoria and Dominic West this week attended a centuries-old charity wine auction in the French town of Beaune, the capital of Burgundy wines, though the sums raised fell short of expectations.
Dinosaur skeleton fetches R116 million
The skeleton of a 22-metre-long dinosaur fetched €6 million (R116 million) last Saturday, AFP learned from auction houses Collin du Bocage and Barbarossa.
Four curated art sales
Strauss & Co will host four curated sales on Monday and Tuesday.
Year-end truck sale
ATTRACTION: SOMETHING FOR EVERY COMPANY AND BUDGET
NO COMPLACENCY
Unfancied Magesi FC count Richards Bay, Orlando Pirates and TS Galaxy among their cup scalps.
Proteas get a raw deal
The Proteas have been extremely hard-done-by with the lack of Test cricket over the current Test Championship cycle, and many of their players as well as head coach Shukri Conrad have voiced their dissatisfaction.
