Prediction: Wales vs Austria

Prediction: Wales win

Best Odds: 9/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

It’s time to re-focus our attention on the FIFA World Cup that is set to take place in Qatar at the end of the year. A parade of nations from around the globe are attempting to reach the promised land of the FWC and now, in the European qualifiers, we’re down to the nitty-gritty. Today, we’ll be taking a look at the upcoming semi-final meeting between Wales and Austria in Cardiff.

Wales

The Welsh may have crashed and burned in dramatic fashion against Denmark in Euro 2020 but they did put forward a fairly good account of themselves up to that point. They’ve got a hungry team full of future stars combined with some wily veterans and with the home fans behind them, they should be able to do some damage.

Team News

Bale is believed to be a fitness doubt after not paying for over a month, but he may come off the bench as an impact sub. Elsewhere, the only absence is Morrell who is suspended.

Austria

Austria fell short to Italy in the Round of 16 at Euro 2020 but given that the Italians proceeded to win the whole thing, we wouldn’t call that a particularly embarrassing defeat. If anything that proves their credentials and as we look ahead to their immediate future, we’d say they are the favourites to progress from this group of four.

Team News

Alaba will be utilised on the left side for such a vital fixture with the following players being listed as injured: Ljubicic, Grillitsch, Trimmel and Lienhart.

Factors to Consider

• The winner will face Scotland or Ukraine for a place in the World Cup.
• Wales have won three and drawn three of their last six games.
• Austria have won three and lost three of their last six games.
• Wales have scored 12 goals and conceded six in their last six games.
• Austria have scored 12 goals and conceded 10 in their last six games.

Conclusion

The tense nature of games like this is bound to lead to fewer goals than we’re used to seeing for both sides, which may not be ideal for neutrals. Still, we’re expecting an entertaining clash nonetheless, and we’re backing both teams to get on the scoresheet – leading to a 1-1 result that takes us through to extra time. From there we anticipate penalties, with the home crowd edging the Welsh through to the next round.

Prediction: Wales win

Best Odds: 9/5

Bookmaker: 888sport