Austria vs Slovenia Predictions

Neither of these countries managed to win either of their opening two qualifiers, but Slovenia still remain unbeaten after drawing twice. Austria were beaten by both Poland and Israel in their first two qualifiers and really need to win at home to Slovenia on Friday to keep in touch with the top three. Amazingly Slovenia have draw each of their last five matches 1-1 and will be desperate to end their winless run against Austria this week.

Arnautović handed Austria an eighth minute lead in Israel last time out, but it proved to be a false dawn as the hosts fought back to lead 2-1 at the interval. Israel scored twice in the second half to take a 4-1 lead, and despite Arnautović scoring his second of the game fifteen minute from time Austria lost the match 4-2. Slovenia were good value for their 1-0 halftime lead at home to North Macedonia, with Zajc scoring he goal in the thirty-fourth minute after good work from Sporar who claimed the assist. However, an early equaliser from Bardhi saw Slovenia draw 1-1 for the fifth consecutive match.

The head to head record between these two teams is limited, but the form of the pair and their results in the opening two qualifiers, suggests that Slovenia are worth backing with a double chance bet. Austria have won two, drawn one, and lost three of their last six matches, while Slovenia are unbeaten in their last five matches. Austria have kept one clean sheet in their last six matches and Slovenia have drawn their last five matches via the same 1-1 scoreline. Austria have lost their opening two qualifiers, but Slovenia have drawn their opening two, and that’s why we’re backing a 1-1 draw between the pair on Friday.

Marko Arnautović has scored twenty-two goals in seventy-nine appearances for his country, while Bayern Munich’s David Alaba has chipped in with thirteen goals in sixty-eight caps. This Slovenia side doesn’t have many goals in it, with midfielder Josip Iličić leading the way with five in fifty-seven appearances, but pacey forward Luka Zahović is one to watch. We’re confident that a double chance bet on Slovenia will payout on Friday, and have predicted a final scoreline of 1-1. The visitors are unbeaten in their last five matches, but each of those games have ended 1-1 which is why we aren’t backing Slovenia to win the game outright. Austria have lost their opening two matches and haven’t been keeping many clean sheets of late, which is why a 1-1 draw looks so appealing to us.