Needing just three more points to qualify for Euro 2024, Austria will be determined to get the job done on Monday evening when they face Azerbaijan at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium.
Injuries have not helped Austria of late, but they should have enough strength in depth to come away from Baku with the victory that would see Das Team book their place in next summer’s major tournament in Germany.
Team news
Azerbaijan, with no new injury concerns, are likely to stick with the same XI that earned an impressive 2-0 win in Estonia on Friday.
That means the hosts will look to the likes of Emin Mahmudov and Ramil Sheydayev, who have 20 goals at international level between them, to spearhead the attack.
As for Austria, manager Ralf Rangnick is still without the key duo of David Alaba and Marko Arnautovic due to injury.
Stefan Posch and Gernot Trauner are also unavailable due to a thigh and knee injuries respectively, while Freiburg forward Michael Gregoritsch and Lens defender Kevin Danso are both doubtful for the trip to Baku.
Wolves forward Sasa Kalajdzic and Manprit Sarkaria are likely to be the ones competing for the starting role in attack.
Austria to win and both teams to score (Yes) @ 11/5
Both teams have scored in six of Austria’s last seven games and it would be little surprise to see the trend continue on Monday evening.
Austria’s injury issues mean that they might well be less solid at the back and Azerbaijan should have their moments in this clash.
However, much like in Austria’s 4-1 win in their previous Group F encounter, Das Team should have the quality to come out on top, even if the hosts do get on the scoresheet.
An Austrian victory, with both teams scoring, is certainly worth considering at 11/5.
Marcel Sabitzer to score anytime @ 2/1
Former Bayern Munich and Manchester United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer is a player to look out for in the anytime goalscorer market.
Only Gregoritsch has scored more goals in this qualifying campaign than Sabitzer’s three and the Borussia Dortmund midfielder should have chances to add to his tally on Monday.
Sabitzer bagged himself a brace in the 4-1 win over Azerbaijan the last time these two sides met and is 2/1 to score anytime in Baku.
Match odds
Starting with the match result markets, Azerbaijan are 8/1 to win, 18/5 to draw, with an Austrian victory available at 4/11.
There have been under 2.5 total goals in Azerbaijan’s last three qualifying matches for the European Championships.
Under 2.5 to land again on Monday is currently available at 1/1.
