Scotland’s notable performance in UEFA Nations League which helped them go through EURO 2020 as their major international tournament for the first time since 1998 shall endure here. They are eyeing for their next target, World Cup 2022. The Tartan Army, which are included in a tough group with Austria, Moldova, Faroe Islands, Israel and Denmark, will be taking on Marcel Sabitzer and Co in the qualifier opener.
Both teams’ latest news
Scotland has just received good news regarding Che Adams’ decision on being in favour of their side instead of England. Steve Clarke has also decided to call up another debutant, the 24-year old Hibernian forward, Kevin Nisbet, beside Southampton man, but left out Oliver Burke, Leigh Griffiths and Glasgow Rangers’ Ryan Jack.
Meanwhile, Austria under Franco Foda has enlisted several new names in the current squad, Watford goalkeeper, Daniel Bachmann, Rapid Wien’s youngster Yusuf Demir and his teammate, Ercan Kara. Surprisingly, no well-known names such as RB Leipzig’s Konrad Laimer, who is injured, and the skipper Julian Baumgartlinger.
Possible tactic
Steve Clarke seems to be still opting for 3-4-2-1 or 3-5-2 formation with Che Adams and Lydon Dykes featuring as the duo frontman in the line up, supported by John McGinn, Ryan Christie and Callum McGregor in the middle while Liverpool wing back Andrew Robertson and Motherwell Stephen O’Donnell will be occupying the flank area.
His counterpart, Franco Foda is likely to employ 4-2-3-1 with the transition to 4-3-2-1 formation. RB Leipzig, Marcel Sabitzer will lead the attack accompanied by Valentino Lazaro while David Alaba could occupy the left midfielder role alongside with Stefan Illsanker as the defensive midfielder and Xavier Schalger playing wide.
Players to watch
The Saints’ forward Che Adams is their new hope upfront, especially for the upcoming tough matches in EURO next summer. He has scored seven goals and provided four assists this season. Some other key men to watch are Aston Villa’s John McGinn, the skipper Andrew Robertson who is given more offensive role and the midfielder turning to right back position, Scott McTominay.
Austria potentially also boasts for their newly expected scorer, VFB Stuttgart youngster Sasha Kaladjzic who has bagged 13 goals and made three assists this season. Some other notable figures in the team are surely the versatile David Alaba, Marcel Sabitzer and Gladbach wing back Valentino Lazaro.
Scotland vs Austria Prediction
This is going to be a tough one to call for a winner. Both sides have been in-form although Scotland did lose twice in a row after securing the EURO ticket via play off. Franco Foda’s men have the potentials to snatch a point on the road. Therefore, the games shall end in a tie.
Betting odds
The match is bound to be tight. Steve Clarke’s win market is at 5/2, which is the same value for the draw result, whereas David Alaba and Co are priced to win at 25/19.
