Political dramas stole the headlines in Ireland’s victory last time out, but they should have fewer distractions ahead of this UEFA Nations League (UNL) clash with Group B3 leaders Austria.
Match News and Current Form
Following a 1-0 defeat on matchday one against Kosovo, Ireland got themselves back into contention in the group with a 3-0 win over Israel. Off-field political dramas, including Gavin Bazunu’s refusal to play, dominated the headlines both pre and post-match, but with those distractions now parked for a few days before the nations meet again after this game, Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side would be wise to give this clash their full attention. An eight-match unbeaten run as hosts (W5, D3) should boost belief they can overcome their vastly inferior FIFA ranking here, something which could be key to any outside promotion hopes as their ‘home’ game against Israel being played on neutral turf means they only have two home matches in this cycle.
After failing to win any of their three previous games (D1, L2), or last three UNL fixtures (D2, L1), Austria have started this campaign with successive 3-1 home victories over Israel and Kosovo. The early pace-setters also arrive in Ireland with a strong away record which has seen them win three of their last four games on opposition turf (L1), a run which will heighten belief of returning to League A at the second time of asking. Only a play-off defeat denied them promotion to the top tier in the last cycle, but Ralf Rangnick’s side could have automatic promotion all but sewn up by the end of this block of fixtures as they face their nearest challengers across their next two games.
Head-to-Head History
Ireland have only won one of the last ten H2Hs (D3, L6) and haven’t won any of the last five meetings they hosted (D3, L2).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Ireland have kept a clean sheet in each of their last four home games.
Ireland have picked up 2+ yellow cards in each of their last six UNL fixtures.
Five of Austria’s last six games produced over 2.5 goals.
Austria have picked up the first card of the match in each of their last eight fixtures.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Troy Parrott scored on Sunday to make it four goal contributions (G3, A1) from his last five matches for club and country, three of which counted towards the game’s opening goal. Romano Schmid is another candidate for having a hand in the game’s opener as he has either scored or assisted the first goal in each of his last four games for club and country (G1, A4).
Ireland have no new injury worries, while Michael Gregoritsch could return for Austria.
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Betting Analysis
A strong home side meeting a solid away outfit hints that backing a draw could be a good approach to take.
Author: Tom Penn