Prediction: Austria vs Brazil

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 10/3

Bookmaker: bet365

While the World Cup may be right around the corner, we still have a handful of international friendlies to contend with. Both Austria and Brazil will be eager to make a statement this weekend for very different reasons, as Austria continue to build towards Euro 2020, meanwhile, Brazil are attempting to gain some more momentum prior to their first group stage game in Russia.

Austria

Austria struggled to really get going during World Cup qualification, but it seems as if they’re finally starting to gain some traction under their new head coach. They’ve always been a solid unit from a defensive standpoint but it feels like they’re starting to build some consistency throughout the core of the squad, which is what they’ve been missing for so long now. Moving forward, the signs are certainly positive and they could make some serious noise with a positive result against Brazil.

Team News

Austria will have a full squad to choose from this weekend.

Brazil

While Brazilian fans around the world will never forget the 7-1 defeat they suffered at the hands of Germany four years ago, they’ll be even more focused on rectifying that result and restoring their reputation this summer at the World Cup. They have the superstars in place to make a run to the final and despite a minor injury crisis over the last few weeks, they should still be confident about their chances.

Team News

Fred picked up an injury in training, but Neymar is expected to feature in the game.

Factors to Consider

• Brazil have won five of their last six games, with one draw against England.
• Austria’s next game after this will be against Sweden in September.
• Brazil’s World Cup group includes Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia.
• Austria have won their last six games including a surprise victory over Germany.
• Brazil are unbeaten in nine games against Austria with six wins and three draws.

Conclusion

While Brazil may be the favourites to lift the World Cup trophy, we can see them letting their guard down a bit here against Austria, who have been on fire as of late. We’ll predict an entertaining 0-0 draw ahead of the WC festivities kicking off next week.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 10/3

Bookmaker: bet365