Prediction: Austria vs Poland

Prediction: Austria win

Best Odds: 5/4

Bookmaker: bet365

The qualification period for UEFA Euro 2020 is finally upon us, as we say goodbye to the memory of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Teams across the continent are set to revive their desire to make an impact at a major international tournament, and that’s just a great position for everyone to be in – and mainly, the fans. Today we’re going to take a look at Austria vs Poland which will kick off proceedings in Group G, and while it may not seem like the most enticing of games, both teams will be pretty confident in their ability to qualify for the Euros next year.

Austria

Austria weren’t quite able to secure qualification to the World Cup last year, but they’re a nation that is slowly building and that always takes time. They should be viewed as one of the favourites in this group, mainly due to their ability to grind out results. That will take them far when it comes to both the World Cup and the Euros, even if they weren’t able to quite live up to the hype at Euro 2016. They’ve got more experience under their belt now, and that kind of thing can’t be undervalued.

Team News

Four players have withdrawn from the Austria squad with Arnautovic being set to lead the line for Austria, and Stoger being tipped for a debut.

Poland

In a group that many thought they might win, Poland wound up crashing out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in fairly humiliating fashion at the group stage. They’ve had time to lick their wounds, but in the immediate aftermath of the tournament, they haven’t exactly been able to convince people that they’re turning a corner. They’ve been a sleeping giant in European football for far too long now, with many fans questioning what it’ll take to finally wake them up.

Team News

The big question for the visitors is who, out of Milik and Piatek, will partner Lewandowski as Poland continue to try and make the most of their phenomenal attacking options.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion.
• Austria have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Poland have drawn three and lost three of their last six games.
• Austria have scored five goals and conceded four in their last six games.
• Poland have scored five goals and conceded eight in their last six games.

Conclusion

Poland have the quality necessary to do some interesting things within the landscape of European football, but they can just never seem to piece it all together as they’d like. Austria are an organised unit and whilst they may not be the prettiest of teams to watch, they certainly know how to get the job done. We think they’re going to frustrate the Poles and build a slender yet efficient lead for themselves, before riding out the result and putting an important three points on the board.

Prediction: Austria win

Best Odds: 5/4

Bookmaker: bet365