Prediction: Austria vs France

Verdict: France win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Getting their EURO 24 adventure underway on Monday night, France will travel to Dusseldorf when they meet Austria.

Austria

Starting with Austria, despite failing to book a World Cup ticket to Qatar 18 months ago, they have come roaring back in an eye-catching fashion. Storming their way to this summer’s European Championships and enjoying a major qualifying romp, Ralf Rangnick’s men collected 19 points from their eight Group F appearances last year. Signing off their pre-EURO 24 run with a 1-1 stalemate away at Switzerland, the former Manchester United boss has seen his squad suffer just a single defeat from any of their previous 16 straight appearances across all competitions. Signing off 2023 with a stellar 2-0 victory against host nation Germany, Austria will certainly be excited to get their European adventure underway on Monday night. Although Rangnick’s camp might have an almighty challenge on their hands here, the Reds find the mood in their camp at a real high.

Team News

In what has been a major blow to Austria this summer, influential skipper David Alaba has not been included in Rangnick’s squad and remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury. Reaching the Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund on June 1st, ex-Manchester United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer will play a leading role at the heart of Austria’s midfield.

While it might appear that Marko Arnautovic will be leaving reigning Italian champions Inter Milan this summer, the former West Ham striker will spearhead Rangnick’s charge in Dusseldorf.

France

As for France, suffering major World Cup heartbreak out in Qatar in the winter of 2022 as they relinquished their world crown, Les Bleus will be seeking an immediate response this summer. While Didier Deschamps’ camp might have signed off their pre-tournament preparations with a 0-0 stalemate at home against Canada, the European giants are pencilled in as a leading contender over the next month. Unbeaten while in qualifying action last year and mustering 22 points from their eight Group B appearances, France will be looking to make an early statement of intent here. Landing a 2-0 victory when they last met Austria on Nations League duties back in September 2022, Deschamps’ title contenders will be seeking a repeat performance in Dusseldorf. It should also be noted, Les Bleus have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 10 meetings against Monday’s opponents.

Team News

Officially completing what was a record-breaking move to Spanish icons Real Madrid this summer, attacking talisman Kylian Mbappe will lead out Deschamps’ side on Monday night and play a leading role in Dusseldorf. Although Los Blancos midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni might have returned from a recent knock, the 24-year-old will have to settle for a spot on the bench.

Playing a crucial role in Arsenal’s Premier League title charge last season, William Sliba will start at the heart of France’s defence on Monday and should be partnered alongside Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Austria and France last met back in September 2022, Les Bleus collected a 2-0 victory in Paris.
• The former world champions have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 10 meetings against Austria.
• Rangnick’s side have suffered just a single defeat from any of their last 16 consecutive appearances across all competitions.
• Completing a blockbuster move to Real Madrid this month, Kylian Mbappe recorded 27 goals in his 29 Ligue 1 appearances last season.
• France recorded 29 goals in their eight EURO 24 qualifying appearances last year.

Conclusion

Pencilled in as a real European contender ahead of opening their Group D campaign on Monday night, France will be looking to make an early statement of intent here. While Austria might have continued on a stellar flurry over the past 18 months, Rangnick’s men have an almighty challenge on their hands in Dusseldorf. With Les Bleus landing a 2-0 victory when they last met their Group D rivals back in September 2022, they have also suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 10 straight showdowns against their Group D rivals.

Verdict: France win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet