Austria won plenty of admirers at Euro 2024 but they've made a poor start to their UEFA Nations League campaign and need a win when Kazakhstan come calling.
Ralf Rangnick's men played some fantastic football in Germany this summer and had people tipping them as dark horses after topping a tough group that contained France and the Netherlands.
But the Austrians fell at the first hurdle in the knockout stage as Turkey sent them crashing out and there's been a bit of a hangover from disappointment for Rangnick's team.
They could only draw in their Nations League opener with Slovenia and followed that up by losing to Norway, letting down our man Andy after had tipped them to win.
Both those games were away from home though and Austria should get back on track against a Kazakhstan side who lost 3-0 in Slovenia last time out to bring up two bets for Gabriel.
That heavy loss came after a creditable draw at home to the Norwegians and the Kazakh defence will need to be at their best to keep out the dangerous Austrians.
How the bookies view it: Kazakhs 16/1 rank outsiders
With Kazakhstan losing heavily on their last road trip, it's no surprise to see them as outsiders, although the 16/1 available at Betano does seem a bit too steep. Austria's price is just 2/17 and even the draw is hefty at 6/1.
Head to head: Austrians unbeaten so far
These nations have faced off just four times before and the Austrians have yet to taste defeat, with two wins and two draws. Both meetings in Kazakhstan ended in 0-0 draws but the Austrians have been dominant at home, winning 4-0 in the last meeting back in 2012.
Players to watch: Baumgartner due a goal
Christoph Baumgartner caught my eye at the Euros and the RB Leipzig midfielder was a goal threat in pretty much every game. He has yet to score this term so a goal might be overdue and Bet365 price him at 13/10 for anytime scorer.
Abat Aymbetov has started the last two games up front for Kazakhstan and should get the nod again. The Adana Demirspor forward is a hefty 11/2 to score in Linz.
Probable line-ups
Austria should be along similar lines to their last outing against Norway, although Marko Arnautovic could start up front after coming off the bench in that match. Kazakhstan might be tempted to make a few tweaks after that comprehensive defeat in Slovenia.
Austria: Pentz, Posch, Lienhart, Laimer, Seiwald, Prass, Sabitzer, Mwene, Baumgartner, Wimmer, Arnautovic.
Kazakhstan: Shatskiy, Kasmy, Alip, Bystrov, Vorogovskiy, Marochkin, Orazov, Tagybergen, Zaynutdinov, Chesnokov, Aymbetov.
Anything else catch the eye?
Austria are usually speedy starters so there could be some value in backing an early goal. Backing the opener to come inside 15 minutes pays 9/5 at Betano and that looks decent value.
It could also pay to back most goals to come in the first half, given that has landed in both of Austria's Nations League games so far. Betfred offer 15/8 on most of the action coming in the first 45 minutes.
Rangnick's men should have most of the ball so I'm also backing them at -4 in the corner handicap, which pays 20/21 at Bet365.
This UEFA Nations League match between Austria and Kazakhstan will be played on Oct 10, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Austria vs Kazakhstan prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
