Prediction: Austria vs Belgium

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 153/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet

The upcoming match between Austria and Belgium on Friday is a crucial one with the two teams tied at the top of Group F in Euro 2024 qualifying, with 13 points each.

The fact that the winner, if there is one, will secure a place in the tournament next year suggests an exciting and high-stakes encounter at the Ernst Happel Stadion in Viena, Austria’s national stadium with just over 50,000 seats.

Austria

Austria have been performing admirably in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, winning four matches and drawing one out of their first five in Group F. They’ve scored 12 goals and conceded only four, which is quite an impressive record. Notable victories over Azerbaijan and Estonia were followed by crucial wins against Sweden, both home and away, including a 3-1 victory in Stockholm. Their only setback in the group was a 1-1 draw with Belgium during the reverse fixture in Brussels.

Led by Ralf Rangnick, the Austrians are sitting just behind Belgium in the group, with their goal difference being the only separating factor. Importantly, they have a seven-point lead over third-placed Sweden. They need just three more points from their remaining three games to secure a place at the main tournament next year.

Austria also boast a strong home record in Euro qualifying, having won 11 out of their last 12 home matches since October 2014. However, they haven’t managed to defeat Belgium in their last six encounters, with their last win against the Red Devils dating all the way back to June 1959 in a friendly match.

Team News

At the back, David Alaba, Stefan Posch, and Gernot Trauner are unavailable due to muscle, thigh, and knee injuries, respectively. Forward Marko Arnautovic will also be absent due to a thigh problem.

On the positive side, Marcel Sabitzer and Christoph Baumgartner, who are nursing minor injuries, should be fit to play in some capacity on Friday. Sabitzer is expected to retain his spot on the left side of the midfield, alongside Konrad Laimer, Nicolas Seiwald, and Xaver Schlager.

Michael Gregoritsch, who scored in the 1-1 draw against Belgium earlier this year, is also dealing with a minor injury but hopes to earn his 50th international cap. He is likely to feature in the attack alongside either Sasa Kalajdzic or Junior Adamu.

Belgium

Much like Austria, Belgium have performed very well in this campaign so far. They won five and drew one of their first six games under new head coach Domenico Tedesco, climbing to the top of Group F on goal difference. In their most recent Euro 2024 qualifier, they defeated Estonia 5-0.

Belgium’s proficiency in scoring goals has been evident for some time. They have scored in 57 of their last 60 internationals across all competitions, dating back to the 2018 World Cup. In Euro 2024 qualifying, only Portugal, Switzerland, England, and Spain have scored more goals than Belgium at this stage.

Tedesco’s men,, ranked fifth in the world by FIFA at the moment, aim to secure their second consecutive victory on Austrian soil. They last won on their visit with a 2-0 scoreline in Euro 2012 qualifying. The Red Devils have won each of their last 10 away games in Euro qualifying, with their last loss in June 2015 to Wales.

Team News

Belgium have some notable names absent as well. Leandro Trossard is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Ameen Al-Dakhil has an unspecified injury. In their absence, 18-year-old Arthur Vermeeren has received his first call-up, and Zinho Vanheusden from Standard Liege is hoping to make his first senior international appearance since his debut in 2020.

Most notably, Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois are also out due to injuries, and Eden Hazard has retired from playing football professionally. With Courtois unavailable, Koen Casteels is expected to continue in goal, ahead of Matz Sels and uncapped goalkeepers Thomas Kaminski and Arnaud Bodart.

In defense, Jan Vertonghen, who scored on his 150th international appearance last month, is set to partner W out Faes in central defense, with full-backs Timothy Castagne and Arthur Theate. In the midfield, Premier League players Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans, and Orel Mangala are expected to feature.

Conclusion

The game promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams eager to secure qualification for the Euros with a victory.

While both teams are missing key players, Belgium’s advantage in the final third, especially with Romelu Lukaku leading the line, should help them outscore the hosts and get the job done.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 153/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet