Poland vs Austria Predictions

Poland’s bid to secure a place at Euro 2020 was dealt a blow on Friday, as they lost 2-0 at Slovenia. They need to return to form in this clash, or else the pressure is on heading into October’s internationals. As things stand the hosts are the clear leaders in this group with three sides fighting for second, but if the rest catch up with them then Poland face a nervy finish. That makes this clash with Austria key for the home side, so can they return to winning ways on Monday night?

Poland may have disappointed in the World Cup and the Nations League, but they remain a threat in Europe heading towards the Euros. They made the last eight in France, while the hosts will be looking to make the most of Robert Lewandowski before the 31-year-old forward retires from the national side in the next few years. However, the hosts have got a potential replacement in Krzysztof Piatek, who has outscored Lewandowski in qualifying with three goals to his name so far.

Austria come here with a big win behind them. A 6-0 victory over Latvia has pushed them into second, but they have moved into the top-two thanks to a three-game winning streak. The visitors kicked off with a loss at home to Poland and defeat in Israel, so they are far from perfect. Austria head into this game with three defeats in their last five trips, while they are likely to struggle against an impressive Poland side.

The hosts don’t tend to lose many qualifiers, especially at home. They won eight from 10 on the way to the World Cup, with a 100% record in home matches. Poland have won all but one of their last 12 home games in European Championship qualifying, seeing off the likes of Germany, Belgium and Portugal in that time. They shouldn’t struggle against Austria, especially after scoring twice or more in their last nine home matches in Euro qualifying campaigns.

We expect the hosts to follow up some good form against Austria and come away with the points in this clash. They have won three of their last four clashes with Austria, including their away meeting earlier in this group. Poland’s near-perfect record so far shows what they are capable of, as does the fact that they’ve scored eight times in this group so far. Austria have shown clear weaknesses on the road, so we are going with Poland to win this clash on Monday. We are also backing a 2-0 home win, with Poland winning to nil in four of their last five qualifiers.