New Zealand’s Lochhead admits Bahrain would be better opponent

New Zealand defender Tony Lochhead has admitted that playing Bahrain in their World Cup qualifier would suit the team better.

The All Whites face the winner of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia which will be decided tonight and the Wellington Phoenix man says the Green Falcons would be the ideal nation to play for World Cup qualification.

"I think they're both going to be pretty tough but from what we've been told, Bahrain is probably a better match up for us. So fingers crossed we get them," Lochhead said.

"But either way, we've just got to go out and do our thing.”

New Zealand play either Bahrain or Saudi Arabia in a two-legged play-off with the second leg taking place in Wellington on November 14.