Dynamic duo a chance

Melbourne football fans could be treated to a striking double act from Josh Kennedy and Scott McDonald, with the two Victorians a chance to team-up up-front when Australia plays Japan at the MCG on Wednesday.

Melbourne football fans could be treated to a striking double act from Josh Kennedy and Scott McDonald, with the two Victorians a chance to team-up up-front when Australia plays Japan at the MCG on Wednesday.

The pair have played together for the Qantas Socceroos on only a few occasions, with national coach Pim Verbeek generally preferring one central striker in recent qualifying matches. That has meant that either one or the other has started with the last time they both started in a match being against Qatar in Brisbane in October last year.

While refusing to confirm that the contrasting strikers would both start on Wednesday, Kennedy (194cm) said that he and McDonald (173cm) have enjoyed working together and felt there was a strong understanding between them

"I don't think Pim (Verbeek) will let too many secrets out of the bag at the moment. I won't either, I'm not allowed to. We'll find out a bit more tomorrow (Tuesday) at training," he said.

"It would be good if someone was playing off me obviously, but it all depends on who we are playing, what formation, and on the day. In that sense whatever Pim wants to play we'll do."

Kennedy's spot in the starting XI would appear to be assured after he was rested for last Wednesday's match against Bahrain in Sydney, where McDonald started up front.

And while the diminutive Celtic man did not make a significant impact in the game, he could be set to start in front of his home crowd. With Harry Kewell ruled out, Verbeek will be looking to bolster his attacking options.

Kennedy and McDonald spent plenty of time working together up front during training exercises on Monday. The big Karlsruhe striker said the understanding between all the team members has improved considerable over the past two weeks together.

"It's a good change. I think we've bonded a little bit more than usual. Half the games we've had, we've flown in for two days and played and flown out. It's good for the team, good for the boys and we've qualified, and it's great to have the time to celebrate together," Kennedy said.

There are likely to be up to eight changes to the Qantas Socceroos side from the previous match against Bahrain, with the back four likely to be completely new with suspension threats, injury and club commitments ruling out several players. However, with captain Lucas Neill back in along with Vince Grella and Tim Cahill, there is plenty of experience returning to the fold.

Kennedy said there was a real determination to finish top of the group by beating Japan in Wednesday's match and perhaps put those who have criticised the Qantas Socceroos playing style back in their box.

"For the whole of Australia, it-s been great to top the group and have a great game and get another win under our belts. There's been a bit of negative press in Sydney from the last game which is ridiculous. Just to shut those guys up and have a good game will be good," he said.

"That's our mentality, we want to go out and win, it doesn't matter what game, who we are playing. We are going out there to win."