Austria vs Turkey Predictions

• Turkey lost 6-1 when these two met back in March this year
• Austria impressed through the group stage, scoring three goals in each of their last two games
• The Austrians have won eight of their last 10 matches
• Turkey have lost four of seven games in 2024 despite progressing to this round

Austria on a roll

Austria have to be delighted to have topped Group D ahead of France and the Netherlands, which was fully deserved given their performances in the last round. Ralf Rangnick’s side have arguably been the breakout story of the tournament, with their Red Bull-inspired pressing style making them one of the most cohesive teams in international football.

With a clash against Turkey in the last 16, Austria are primed for a deep run at this tournament. Not only have they landed in the easier half of the tournament’s draw, but the Austrians meet a Turkish side they blew away in a friendly earlier this year.

Scant reward for Turkey

Turkey struck late against the Czech Republic to secure their second win of the group stage and wrap up second spot. However, their reward for that group stage showing is a clash with an Austrian side who blew them away 6-1 in a friendly encounter back in March.

While this could be seen as the perfect chance for Turkey to take revenge, the way that Austria’s pressing style blew them out of the water is a concern. Looking back across the group stage, they beat a functional Czech side that managed a single point in total, while they found it tough against Georgia’s intensity.

Portugal simply proved too strong for Turkey, while their calamitous own-goal from that clash doesn’t bode well ahead of meeting Austria’s high-press.

Austria to breeze through

Austria struck six goals across their final two matches in the group and they caused France plenty of problems in their opener. Looking back, Rangnick’s side are on a tear, having won eight of their last 10 internationals. When you pit that against a Turkey side who lost heavy to Austria in one of four defeats this calendar year, Austria are worthy favourites.

However, the value here lies with adding over 2.5 goals into the mix. Austria have conceded in all three games so far, while each of Turkey’s three group games saw at least three goals. Given how Austria blew Turkey away, goals are to be expected in this clash and as a result, take a high-scoring win for Rangnick’s side.

One tweak that has helped Austria in their last two games is the decision to move Marcel Sabitzer into a left-wing role, where he drifts in an takes chances. He’s a brilliant pressing weapon against opposition right-backs, while he gets into good positions and has a decent finish. He scored against the Dutch having had two efforts on target and Sabitzer is a good bet to score against Turkey.