Austria are the only unbeaten team in Nations League Group B3 and have the opportunity to seal top spot with a game to spare when taking on the Republic of Ireland at Raiffeisen Arena on Saturday.
The 2026 World Cup was an underwhelming experience for Austria, who exited the competition at the round of 32 after a 3-0 loss to Spain.
However, it is hard to be too critical of Ralf Rangnick's side, whose only other defeat was a 2-0 group stage loss against Argentina.
Austria soon noticed a drop in class in the Nations League's second tier and got off to a flying start with a pair of 3-1 home wins over Israel and Kosovo.
And, after coming from behind in draws away to Ireland (2-2) and Kosovo (1-1), they are in a commanding position.
Das Team are three points above Ireland and know that a victory would ensure top spot and promotion to League A, but they are sure to be respectful of the Boys in Green, who have taken five points from their last three fixtures.
The Irish have an outside chance of finishing first, although they would probably need to conclude with a pair of victories and they will be aiming to spring a major surprise in Austria before preparing for a tricky fixture at home to Kosovo on matchday six.
Austria v Republic of Ireland Tips Summary
Best Bet - Austria to win by one goal @ 13/5
Alternative Bet - Christoph Baumgartner to score anytime @ 5/2
Bet Builder - Christoph Baumgartner 1+ shots on target, Both teams to score & Ryan Manning to be booked @ 27/4
Austria v Republic of Ireland Prediction
Best Bet: Austria to win by one goal @ 13/5
Austria have gone over three years since last suffering a home defeat and they should be slightly too strong for Ireland in an entertaining game.
Steady progress continues to be made by Das Team, who reached the round of 16 at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 and were far from disgraced at this year’s World Cup.
They favour a high-tempo, attacking style and have demonstrated plenty of potency in the Nations League with nine goals scored in four matches.
Ireland will be preparing for a tough game and will be pleased to call on key central defender Nathan Collins, who missed the last international window with a calf injury.
Collins' involvement should bolster Ireland's backline and the visitors will be hoping for another goal contribution from Real Betis striker Troy Parrott, who has netted four times in his last three internationals.
Ireland look ready to give the Austrians a decent game, but they may fall just short against a side who are used to winning on home soil.
Alternative Bet: Christoph Baumgartner to score anytime @ 5/2
Austria's goalscoring potential is boosted by the return of attacking midfielder Christoph Baumgartner, who has netted 19 times in 58 internationals.
The RB Leipzig player was injured in the early months of the season, but returned to action a few weeks ago and has notched four times in his last five club appearances.
Baumgartner should be feeling confident and his finishing ability could be key to settling a close contest.
Austria v Republic of Ireland Bet Builder Tip
Christoph Baumgartner 1+ shots on target
Both teams to score
Ryan Manning to be booked
Pays 27/4
Getting Baumgartner back into the starting XI is a massive boost for Austria, who lack a top-class focal point to their attack.
The RB Leipzig player is never afraid to take responsibility and can at least force a save out of visiting keeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Ireland may look to fight fire with fire and they can find the net for a fourth successive game.
An open contest could be demanding for the defenders, including Ireland left-back Ryan Manning, who could collect his second card of the competition.
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Key Match Stats
Austria are unbeaten in 16 home games which is an all-time national team record
Austria's last three wins have been by a 3-1 scoreline
Both teams have scored in each of Austria's last four games
Das Team have gone eight matches without keeping a clean sheet
Republic of Ireland have scored in six of their last seven fixtures
Five of Ireland's last six competitive games have featured at least three goals
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
