But the prospect of a more eager Syria could give them the opportunity to play more centrally and go through a stretched defence rather than work around it.

Loading

"We're not sure obviously how they're going to approach the game but we're prepared for all these scenarios," Irvine said.

"If they do choose to come out early doors and press us high, that maybe does suit us playing a different way to create chances and attack in a different way.

"If we start the game in the same way we started the last game - positive, front-foot, picking the right moments to try and penetrate and play forward passes - then if we can get that early goal that will draw them out even further knowing they need a result. Hopefully that can open the game up even more for us to play some free-flowing, attacking football."

Irvine did not play in the World Cup qualification play-off against Syria in October 2017, but he watched both legs from the bench and knows enough about their current circumstances to be wary.

Loading

"Sometimes a change of manager tends to bring a positive reaction a lot of the time," Irvine said. "I think the biggest thing is they have a clear understanding knowing they have to win the game and that kind of makes the reins come off.

"Sometimes teams like that can be even more dangerous when they've got nothing to lose and they can play with that complete freedom to go on and try and win the game."

Irvine is in line for another start in what could be a remodelled Socceroos midfield against Syria.

Skipper Mark Milligan is likely to get the nod in defence over Matthew Jurman to cover for the suspended Trent Sainsbury, with Massimo Luongo the obvious candidate to play in midfield alongside Irvine.

"Whatever situation they throw at us, we have the experience and the individuals and as a squad to be able to deal with those threats," Irvine said.

"Whatever position [Milligan] plays, I'm sure he'll play a key role in managing the game ... [he's] so vastly experienced, so much leadership skills, communication. He's a joy to play alongside in that sense."

Coach Graham Arnold's other selection quandary regards Andrew Nabbout, the fit-again forward who played up front at the last World Cup.

But he may have to be content with an appearance off the bench, given how difficult it would be to drop Jamie Maclaren, Awer Mabil or Chris Ikonomidis after all three combined well against Palestine.