Austria vs Serbia predictions ahead of their friendly clash. Austria and Serbia begin Euro 2024 preparations with an international friendly in Vienna on Tuesday. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.
Friendlies | Jun 4, 2024 at 7.45pm UK at Ernst-Happel-Stadion
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Austria vs Serbia Predictions
Austria vs Serbia: Tactical Mastery Meets Attacking Flair in Pre-Euro 2024 Showdown
Key Stats
– Austria have won seven of their last nine games, showcasing consistent form under Rangnick.
– Serbia’s Aleksandar Mitrovic has netted five goals in Euro 2024 qualification, highlighting his scoring prowess.
– Austria average 16.8 shots per game, reflecting their aggressive attacking approach.
Austria and Serbia are set to meet in Vienna for an international friendly as both nations gear up for their Euro 2024 campaigns. This match will serve as a vital preparatory fixture for both sides, providing a glimpse into their readiness and form before the tournament kicks off. Austria are on an impressive winning streak, while Serbia are looking to regain confidence after a mixed run of results. This analysis delves into the teams’ recent performances, expected line-ups, key player duels, tactical approaches, and provides informed predictions.
Austria’s Impressive Form Under Rangnick
Since Ralf Rangnick took over as head coach, Austria have experienced a resurgence. They finished their Euro 2024 qualification group just behind Belgium, securing 19 points from a possible 24. This successful campaign was capped by convincing victories over Azerbaijan and Estonia. Austria have continued this form into their friendlies, notably defeating Euro 2024 hosts Germany 2-0 and Slovakia by the same scoreline. Despite a minor setback against Turkey, where they conceded but still managed a 6-1 win, Austria are in high spirits.
Rangnick’s tactical setup has been key to Austria’s success. His preferred formation typically features a solid defensive line and a dynamic midfield capable of both controlling possession and pressing high. The expected starting lineup for this friendly against Serbia includes:
- Goalkeeper: Heinz Lindner
- Defenders: Stefan Posch, Kevin Danso, Maximilian Wöber, Phillipp Mwene
- Midfielders: Marcel Sabitzer, Nicolas Seiwald, Konrad Laimer, Christoph Baumgartner, Patrick Wimmer
- Forward: Michael Gregoritsch
With David Alaba and Sasa Kalajdzic unavailable due to injuries, Austria will rely on their depth. Sabitzer’s versatility and Gregoritsch’s clinical finishing will be crucial in breaking down Serbia’s defence.
Serbia’s Struggles and Potential
Serbia’s path to Euro 2024 has been less straightforward. Under Dragan Stojkovic, they managed to secure second place in their qualifying group but struggled against stronger opponents like Hungary. Recent friendlies have shown a mixed bag of results, with a narrow win over Cyprus being one of their few highlights.
Serbia’s expected lineup against Austria reflects their reliance on key attacking players:
- Goalkeeper: Predrag Rajkovic
- Defenders: Milos Veljkovic, Nemanja Gudelj, Strahinja Pavlovic
- Midfielders: Andrija Zivkovic, Nemanja Maksimovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Filip Kostic
- Forwards: Dusan Tadic, Dusan Vlahovic, Aleksandar Mitrovic
Mitrovic and Vlahovic form a formidable strike partnership, and Milinkovic-Savic’s presence in midfield adds creativity and strength. However, Serbia’s defence has shown vulnerability, which could be exploited by Austria’s high-pressing game.
Key Tactical Battles
The midfield battle between Austria’s Sabitzer and Serbia’s Milinkovic-Savic will be pivotal. Both players are central to their teams’ attacking and defensive transitions. Sabitzer’s ability to link play and his defensive work rate will be tested against Milinkovic-Savic’s physicality and vision.
In defence, Austria’s Danso and Wöber will need to be at their best to contain Mitrovic and Vlahovic. The Serbian forwards are known for their aerial prowess and finishing ability, making set-pieces and crosses crucial areas of contest.
Gameplay Predictions
Austria are likely to dominate possession, leveraging their recent form and tactical discipline. Rangnick’s side will press high, looking to disrupt Serbia’s build-up play and force errors. Austria’s wing-backs, Mwene and Posch, will play key roles in stretching Serbia’s defence and providing width.
Serbia, on the other hand, might adopt a more counter-attacking approach. With the pace of Kostic and the finishing ability of Mitrovic and Vlahovic, they will look to exploit any spaces left by Austria’s forward momentum. Milinkovic-Savic’s role in orchestrating these counter-attacks will be crucial.
Expected Goals (xG) Analysis
Austria’s attacking statistics indicate a robust offensive unit. They average 2.1 goals per game in European Championship qualification and have shown the ability to create numerous scoring opportunities, with an average of 16.8 shots per game. Their xG suggests a strong potential to score, supported by players like Gregoritsch and Baumgartner who have been in fine form.
Serbia’s xG is slightly lower, averaging 1.9 goals per game in their qualifiers. However, with players like Mitrovic and Vlahovic, they possess the firepower to challenge any defence. Their challenge will be converting these chances against Austria’s organised backline.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Austria’s Strengths:
- Consistent Form: Austria’s recent winning streak under Rangnick showcases their improved performance and tactical discipline.
- Midfield Dominance: Players like Sabitzer and Laimer provide a strong midfield presence capable of controlling games.
- Defensive Solidity: Austria have kept multiple clean sheets in recent matches, indicating a well-organised defence.
Weaknesses:
- Injury Concerns: Key players like Alaba and Kalajdzic are unavailable, which could affect their defensive and attacking dynamics.
- Over-Reliance on Key Players: Austria’s success heavily depends on the performances of Sabitzer and Gregoritsch.
Serbia’s Strengths:
- Attacking Talent: The striking partnership of Mitrovic and Vlahovic is one of the most potent in Europe, capable of scoring from various situations.
- Midfield Creativity: Milinkovic-Savic adds a creative spark, capable of unlocking defences with his vision and passing.
Weaknesses:
- Defensive Vulnerabilities: Serbia have struggled defensively in recent games, conceding goals against both strong and weaker opponents.
- Inconsistent Form: Their mixed results in qualifiers and friendlies reflect a lack of consistency that could hinder their performance against top teams.
Managerial Critique
Ralf Rangnick has revitalised Austria with his tactical acumen and ability to instil discipline and structure. His focus on high pressing and quick transitions has paid dividends. However, his sometimes rigid approach can limit creativity in the final third.
Dragan Stojkovic faces a more significant challenge. Despite having a talented squad, Serbia’s inconsistency is a concern. Stojkovic’s tactical adjustments have often been reactive rather than proactive, which has cost Serbia in critical moments. His reliance on individual brilliance over a cohesive team strategy needs addressing.
Betting Angles and Predictions
Best Bet for the Match: Austria to Win and Both Teams to Score
Considering Austria’s current form and Serbia’s attacking talent, a bet on Austria winning with both teams scoring seems prudent. Austria’s defence has been strong, but Serbia’s forwards are capable of finding the net, making this a balanced bet.
Correct Score Prediction: Austria 3-1 Serbia
Austria’s ability to score multiple goals, combined with Serbia’s defensive issues, suggests a high-scoring game. A 3-1 scoreline reflects Austria’s attacking strength and Serbia’s potential to score but ultimately falter defensively.
Goalscorer Prediction: Michael Gregoritsch to Score Anytime
Gregoritsch has been in fine form, highlighted by his hat-trick against Turkey. His finishing ability and role as Austria’s primary striker make him a strong candidate to score in this match.
First Half Result: Austria Leading at Half Time
Given Austria’s tendency to start strongly and Serbia’s defensive vulnerabilities, Austria leading at halftime is a likely outcome. Austria’s high press and quick transitions are expected to yield early goals.
Innovative Market Prediction: Total Corners Over 9.5
Both teams average a high number of corners per game – Austria with 5.3 and Serbia with 5.9. Given their attacking styles and the likelihood of multiple goal-scoring opportunities, predicting over 9.5 total corners is a rational bet.
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