Verdict: Austria wins
Best odds: 4/7
Betting house: Dachbet
Austria, two teams that will begin the final leg of their pre-World Cup preparations on Monday night, will host Tunisia in Vienna.
Austria
Starting with the hosts, who embarked on what was a sensational World Cup qualifying adventure last year, Austria are clearly enjoying life under Ralf Rangnick. Rightly receiving a host of plaudits from across the continent, the former Manchester United manager certainly finds the atmosphere in his camp high. Last seen putting in another brave performance when they recorded a 1-0 victory against South Korea to close out the March international break, Das Team have suffered just one defeat in any of their previous 10 appearances in all competitions. With their sights set on mounting a real charge in the World Cup knockout stage next month when proceedings against Jordan begin on June 17, Austria will be desperate to extend their long run here.
Austria Team News
While David Alaba could leave Spanish giants Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer, Austria’s record-breaking captain will lead Rangnick’s side on Monday night and get some valuable minutes under his belt.
Surprisingly, switching his national allegiance from England earlier this year, Carney Chukwuemeka has been included in the Austria squad. Borussia Dortmund star Marcel Sabitzer should play a prominent role in midfield on Monday night and make his 98th cap here.
Tunisia
As for the visitors, while Tunisia could be preparing for their third consecutive World Cup adventure this summer, Sabri Lamouchi’s team is desperately seeking crucial stability. Last seen in April with an uneventful 0-0 draw against Canada, the former Nottingham Forest manager has seen his side record just one win in any of their five previous appearances in all competitions. After enduring a real struggle in the AFCON in January and seeing their campaign come to an end in the round of 16 against Mali, Tunisia have also struggled to find any kind of clinical edge. While all their attention could be focused on June 15, when they begin their World Cup charge against Sweden, Lamouchi’s team will hope to find a welcome boost on Monday night.
Tunisia team news
While Ellyes Skhiri may have endured a frustrating domestic campaign with Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt, the 31-year-old will lead Tunisia this summer and should earn his 82nd cap in Vienna.
Despite suffering relegation from the Premier League with Burnley this season, former Manchester United youngster Hannibal Mejbri will be involved. Although he still hopes to play for reigning European champions PSG, 21-year-old Khalil Ayari has been included in Lamouchi’s squad.
Austria vs Tunisia Key Factors to Consider
- When Austria and Tunisia met in their only historic meeting in November 2007, Monday’s opponents finished in a 0-0 draw.
- Austria have suffered just one defeat in any of their previous 10 consecutive appearances in all competitions.
- Tunisia has managed just one victory in any format in its last five attempts.
- Monday’s hosts have not suffered a single defeat in front of their own fans since October 2023.
- Tunisia has recorded just one goal from open play in over 360 minutes of action.
Conclusion
Austria, who have enjoyed a great rise under Rangnick, will travel to North America this month with spirits in their camp really high. Closing out the March international break with a brave 1-0 victory against South Korea, the former Manchester United manager has seen his team win plenty of plaudits across the continent. Facing a depressed Tunisia on Monday night, Austria should be confident they can continue their long run in Vienna.
Verdict: Austria wins
Best odds: 4/7
Betting house: Dachbet
