Fullback Aziz Behich says Syria's ability to find space behind Australia's defence and particularly out wide could be a by-product of their tactical set-up. While the Socceroos commanded possession, they struggled to make that advantage count for territory in Malaysia on Thursday night as Syria often threatened from close range, despite struggling to find a breakthrough past Australia's last line of defenders.

The Syrians took more shots than Australia - some in vain and several blocked - but were allowed close to goal on a number of occasions. Australia's three defenders worked hard to contain Syria's skilful forwards and are set for another busy night on Tuesday, according to Behich.

The Socceroos will push numbers up the field again, continuing with the ultra-attacking philosophy used throughout this qualification campaign even it means they will be susceptible on the counter-attack.

"That's going to happen at times. We do play an attacking type of football so at times teams are going to get a chance," he said. "But I think we covered each other pretty well and kept our shape."

While accepting the opportunities their system may present opponents, the Socceroos are refusing to engage in Syria's gamesmanship, accusing their opponents of resorting to the dark arts of football. Time wasting, aggressive challenges and accusations of theatrics were directed towards Syria after their first leg 1-1 draw with Australia but defender Milos Degenek says the Socceroos are looking to rise above their rivals' tactics.

"They're physical and as you saw at the start of the game, they tried to play little games by going down and were trying to time waste straight away before the game even started. It's normal, it happens and that's football. It's how they're trained and what they like to do, but it's not what we do. We like to play football and get the game moving as fast as possible," Degenek said.

Australia's central defender is expecting no reprieve from that mentality, having been prepared for as much in Malaysia.

"It's a fight, that's how they play," he said. "They battle and that's what you can learn - just be aggressive."

Australia are benefiting from a chartered flight and increased recovery time between the two legs. The Socceroos arrived early on Friday afternoon after flying directly from Melaka and had already undergone two recovery sessions by Saturday afternoon. Behich says the logistical work has given Australia a significant advantage heading into the match at ANZ Stadium.

"Credit to our staff and everyone working behind the scenes to get us straight onto the plane and get us here as quick as possible. We have done two recovery sessions and we've had a lot of time to recover," Behich said.

Meanwhile, Ryan McGowan will be rushed into the Socceroos squad on Sunday evening as a late injury replacement for Bristol City's Bailey Wright. While Wright did not play in the first leg against Syria due to suspension, it's understood he was suffered a minor hip injury during training and has been ruled out for the return leg. He will likely be available for his club on the weekend, however, as the injury is not serious.

McGowan joins goalkeeper Mark Birighitti as late call-ups to the national team, following Danny Vukovic's withdrawal due to injury.