Australia's World Cup campaign kicks off on Saturday (Sunday AEST) against Turkey in Vancouver with places still very much up for grabs.
Popovic also has eight players aged 23 or under among 17 World Cup debutants in his squad.
It means balancing enthusiastic, youthful talent with players experienced on the World Cup stage - risk-taking with conservatism.
Nestory Irankunda looms as Popovic's biggest headache - in a good way.
The prodigiously talented 20-year-old Watford attacker shone as a starter against Switzerland but has more commonly been used as an impact substitute, tormenting heavy-legged defenders with his explosive style.
But now Irankunda has started to get to grips with the defensive side of the game, he looms as a weapon from the start.
"Nes is developing a lot and we can all see the quality he has," veteran winger Awer Mabil told AAP.Â
"It's just about putting it to use for the team and he's doing that now. So that's great."
It's just a matter of whether that happens from the start against Turkey.
Against Mexico, Popovic started veteran Mathew Leckie and Connor Metcalfe in behind 22-year-old Mohamed Toure, while Ajdin Hrustic has also been used.
Another youngster in Cristian Volpato started against Switzerland but is still clearly finding his feet, with Metcalfe excelling when he replaced the 22-year-old against Switzerland.
Irankunda's close friend Toure wants to be the man as starting striker and his performances at Norwich have shown he is capable of handling the heat
The only question mark over Toure in recent years has been his body, especially soft tissue injuries, and Popovic will want to manage his talented young striker across the three games to avoid too much wear and tear.
Tete Yengi's bright start to international football helps ease the pressure.
Mabil is confident the young guns can shine, whenever they play, and is ready to help them find their way.
Veteran defender Aziz Behich is ready to step in, too.
"It's their first World Cup at a very young age," Behich said.
"So hopefully this gives them a glimpse of wanting more.
"I'm 35 and I've done everything to be here for third third time - so you just need that hunger.
"So hopefully this is just the beginning for all those young boys."
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