Coach Ricki Herbert today named a largely predictable starting 11 for the opening leg of the All Whites' World Cup football playoff against Bahrain in Manama tomorrow morning (NZT).
Herbert has opted for what looks like a 3-4-1-2 formation in trying to accommodate the personnel in his squad, including three in-form strikers in Chris Killen, Rory Fallon and Shane Smeltz.
Killen is set to partner Fallon up front, with Smeltz playing off them.
In defence, skipper Ryan Nelsen will be one of three centre backs along with Ivan Vicelich and Ben Sigmund, with cover provided by wing backs Leo Bertos and Tony Lochhead.
Simon Elliott and Tim Brown will anchor the midfield, while Mark Paston will be in goal.
New Zealand: Mark Paston, Ben Sigmund, Ryan Nelsen (captain), Ivan Vicelich, Leo Bertos, Tony Lochhead, Simon Elliott, Tim Brown, Shane Smeltz, Chris Killen, Rory Fallon.
Substitutes: James Bannatyne, Andrew Boyens, David Mulligan, Aaron Scott, Andy Barron, Michael McGlinchey, Chris Wood.
