Not the most deserving prediction for its own thread.
There's probably a substantial chance of the openers being Watson and Clarke, with either Dave Hussey or White coming in and offering a supporting slow bowling option. One would have thought Shaun Marsh would be a logical replacement for Hayden, but it now appears that he might be overlooked in favour of the more experienced Watson.
There's no reason that Hopes should be a preferred opener and I'm not entirely sure he'd play in the same side as Watson. Out of the players that could be considered, Clarke is definitely the one who has done the best, with 2 centuries. Hussey has only been used once, although he has opened many times in other teams, but is probably not strongly considered. Watson has done next best after Clarke, with 4 50+ scores and a good average at the position. Hopes averages about 20 and really hasn't done anything to say he's miles better than his career averages. Haddin has not made much of a mark and probably would not be considered unless it benefits the structure. It would also be unnecessary pressure on Haddin. Marsh can only be judged on domestic cricket, but has been in well advertised form. The selection of Watson might suggest Marsh is only a development player, but they would be remiss if they didn't use Marsh for the T20I.
Brad Haddin will not bat at no. 8, just as Marsh will not bat at no. 4. I can't say why you'd expect Mike Hussey to move back down to no. 7 either. That's usually given to the new guy.
While they theoretically have a choice of six openers, the biggest problem remains the gap left by Hogg. The selectors have not made a serious attempt to fill the gap with a proper spinner and so the team will be reliant on supporting overs from their batmen. You can not pick 5 pace bowlers and expect to just bowl their 10 overs each. For one, there is no plan B. Secondly, such sides always fail to bowl 50 overs on time. Such a team is entirely reliant on destroying the opposition.