Luongo

all good points re Luongo's lack of form. I would add that he seems to have been told to attack when possible, the same for Freeman, but this often results in Eze/ Luongo/ Freeman on the edge of the box at the same time and crowding each other out. There needs to be a better strategy whereby one of the 3 stays back for loose balls and to try and stall any counter-attack that develops.

I would add that there has been a lot of talk about Luongo's drop in performance/form, but I feel Freeman is just as bad. His shooting and passing is nowhere as good as it was last season, and (for whatever reason) he is tackling players poorly. I feel that playing both Eze and Freeman does not really work, and with the current leaky defence I would rather see Scowen and Luongo/Hall in front of the Back 4 and give Wzsolek another game to give him a chance to exploit the wings.

if he gets selected

He's been in every Australia squad since he joined, he may not always play but he is always picked and travels. Would be a big surprise if he wasn't picked for this.

He was nominated for the world player of the year after his performance in these games 4 years ago if we remember!

This recent article in the Australian press has him down as a 'certainty' to be in the squad: www.theroar.com.au/2018/11/04/the-players-in-contention-for-socceroos-selection-in-the-asian-cup/

Could be Manning’s big chance.

Manning would still be behind Scowen and Cousins, so for the sake of one months cover will they really bother to recall him? I can't see it.

Manning is 5th choice central midfielder.

Not sure about 'a few stone' but probably does need to gain extra body strength. Out of interest, he was not included in the team for this weekend's game....