World Cup Qualification Europe - Austria vs Republic of Ireland

Published on: 12/11/2016

World Cup Qualification Europe - Austria vs Republic of Ireland

November 12, 2016 20:45pm - Ernst-Happel-Stadion

Referee: S. Karasev

World Cup Qualification - Group D

Republic of Ireland will look to maintain their unbeaten start to the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign when they travel to Vienna to take on Austria on Saturday night. Meanwhile, the home side could do with a win to get their own qualification campaign back on track.

Republic of Ireland can take initiative in Group D

With group leaders Serbia facing a tough game in Wales, a positive result in Vienna could propel Martin ONeill`s men to the top of Group D. The Republic of Ireland are unbeaten in the three qualification matches they have played so far, having drawn away to Serbia (2-2) before bagging back-to-back wins at home to Georgia (1-0) and away to Moldova (1-3).

Ireland were beaten 1-0 in Austria when the teams met in World Cup qualifying three years ago. That was one of only two defeats that they have suffered in their last 23 World Cup qualifying away games. Meanwhile, the home side will go into this game knowing that a win will put them right back in contention for the race to top the group. They started their campaign with a win in Georgia and followed that up with a 2-2 draw at home to Wales and a narrow 3-2 defeat in Serbia.

Austria, currently ranked 30th by FIFA, have a good record at home in World Cup qualifying having won 10, drawn one and lost two of their last 13 games. In the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign, they won all of their home matches.

Recent form (All competitions)

Austria: LDWLD

Republic of Ireland: WWDWL

Betting odds and tips

Republic of Ireland are coming into this game in good shape having been buoyed by a decent showing in Euro 2016. During that tournament, they managed a draw against Sweden and beat Italy 1-0.

Austria did not have such a good summer and have had a tough start to this campaign. However, they still have plenty of quality in their squad and are unbeaten in their last 10 major tournament qualifying matches on home soil.

You can back the Draw at 12/5 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 12/11/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (12/11/2016 10:51:07) but are subject to change.