Austria vs Wales 6/10 – World Cup Qualify
Group D Favourites Meet in Vienna
COMPETITION: 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying
GAME: Austria vs Wales
LOCATION: Ernst-Happel Stadion
DATE: Thursday 06/10
TIME: 20:45
In 8 previous meetings between the teams, Austria have won 5, Wales have won 2 and there has been 1 draw.
Austria started their 2018 World Cup Qualifying Group D campaign with a tricky looking fixture in Georgia. Having disappointed during Euro 2016, it remains to be seen if Austria will be as competitive as they were during qualifying for that tournament but Georgia is not always an easy place to play and they will be pleased to have come away with maximum points.
Wales started their quest to Russia with the easiest game of the group, at home to Moldova. Chris Coleman’s team took a while to get into their stride but once the opening goal came, towards the end of the first half, there was no way back for Moldova. With the 3 points in the bag, Wales travel to Vienna full of confidence but without key midfielder, Aaron Ramsey.
Tips
We have looked closely at the following aspects of this match, which offer good betting value:
- Over/Under 2.5 Goal
- Anytime Goalscorer
- Winner
Defence is the Key
The key to both team’s qualification to Euro 2016, was the way in which they defended. Wales conceded just 4 goals in their 10 games and Austria conceded 5, two of the best defensive records during the qualifying stage. Scoring goals was a bit more of a problem for Wales, who had the tougher group but they are sure to adopt their usual style of play, which is to sit back and hit on the break.
Game Tip: Under 2.5 Goals is 1.64 at 888sport
Wales Pin Their Hopes on One Man
If Wales are to get anything from this game, it falls on the shoulders of one man, to score the goals and that man is Gareth Bale. The Real Madrid forward has shown he can carry the burden of Wales’ attacking threat and can be relied upon to score crucial goals. With Aaron Ramsey out, Bale must step up once more, if Wales are to leave Austria with something to show for their efforts.
Game Tip: Gareth Bale to Score Anytime is 2.5 at Bet365
Austria Strong at Home
During qualification for Euro 2016, Austria had a very good home record, winning 4 and drawing 1 of their 5 games in Vienna. During those matches, they conceded only 1 goal but in 4 of them, they only managed to score 1 goal themselves. Wales are going to be tough to break down and the points may be shared.
Game Tip: Draw and Under 2.5 Goals is 3.6 at Bet365
