Prediction: Austria vs North Macedonia

Prediction: Match to end in 1-1 draw

Best Odds: 6/1

Bookmaker: Betfair

Austria and North Macedonia will face each other in the Euro 2020 finals this weekend. The Group C fixture at Arena Nationala in Bucharest is scheduled to kick off at 5pm UK time on Sunday and promises to be an exiting game of football.

Austria

Austria will fancy their chances of progressing to the next stage of the Euro 2020 finals from Group C. Franco Foda’s side will know that the Netherlands are the clear favourites to win the group, but the other teams, Ukraine and North Macedonia, can certainly be beaten.

The Austrians, though, did not have the best of preparations in the build-up to the European Championship. They lost 1-0 to England in their first warm-up game and then played out a goalless draw with Slovakia.

Team News:

Marko Arnautovic will be a key player for Austria, not only against North Macedonia, but also in the competition as a whole.

North Macedonia

This is the first time ever that North Macedonia will play at a major competition. It is a credit to the team that they have come thus far, and there is really no pressure on them to make a huge impact. That could play a big role, as the players could just enjoy themselves and that could help the team advance from the group.

North Macedonia have done well in the build-up to the European Championship. After playing out a 1-1 draw with Slovenia, they hammered Kazakhstan 4-0.

Team News:

Eljif Elmas will be a big player for North Macedonia, while Goran Pandev remains an influential figure.

Key Factors to Consider

• Austria won both games against North Macedonia in Euro 2020 group qualifiers.
• Austria finished bottom of their group at Euro 2016.
• This is North Macedonia’s first ever major tournament.

Conclusion

North Macedonia will not be easy pushovers and will be determined to put on a show in their first game. It is for this reason mainly that the game is likely to end in a draw.

Prediction: Match to end in 1-1 draw

Best Odds: 6/1

Bookmaker: Betfair