AUSTRIA have been the surprise package of Euro 2024 and after topping Group D against the odds, the path towards glory has opened up nicely, with Turkey up first in the last 16.
Most people thought the Austrians would probably sneak through as one of the best third-placed teams behind big guns France and the Netherlands, especially after losing their opener to Les Bleus.
But Ralf Rangnick's men then beat Poland, bringing up two bets for me, and followed it up with a thrilling 3-2 win over the Dutch that sent them above the misfiring French.
That result was massive as it meant Austria ended up in the easier side of the draw, avoiding the likes of Spain, Germany, Portugal and France.
Nobody would now be too surprised if they made it to the semis, but when you look too far ahead, the rug tends to get pulled from under your feet.
Rangnick's players certainly can't afford to underestimate a Turkish side boasting some talented players, with Vincenzo Montella's men winning two games in their group.
But Turkey only sealed the deal deep into stoppage time against the 10-man Czech Republic, bringing up two more bets for me, and will need an improved display to defeat this vibrant Austrian side.
How the bookies view it: In-form Austria favourites to march on
Austria are Betfred's 4/9 hot favourites to go through but the price increases to a decent 10/11 if you back them to win in 90 minutes. Turkey are 13/8 to reach the quarter-finals and 16/5 to finish the job in normal time. The draw at 90 minutes pays 5/2.
Head to head: Turks out for revenge
Turkey will be hoping the friendly they played with Austria ahead of Euro 2024 isn't an omen for this last-16 tie as they suffered a 6-1 thrashing in Vienna. But the Turks are unbeaten in the last five competitive meetings, winning four of those games.
Players to watch: Baumgartner a huge threat from midfield
Austria's success so far at Euro 2024 has been down to Marko Arnautovic's superb hold-up play bringing midfield runners into the game. Nobody has timed his runs into dangerous positions better than Christoph Baumgartner, and he got his reward with a fine goal against Poland. The RB Leipzig man is 11/5 for anytime scorer, and that looks a bit overpriced.
Hakan Calhanoglu is suspended for Turkey and that's a major blow as he's a creative spark. Added responsibility will fall on the shoulders of wonderkid Arda Guler. The Real Madrid livewire is 16/5 for a second goal at the finals.
Probable line-ups
In addition to Calhanoglu, Montella also has to do without banned defender Samet Akaydin, but Abdulkerim Bardakci is available again. The Swiss have been left to rue their ill-discipline, too, with midfielder Patrick Wimmer suspended.
Austria: Pentz, Trauner, Posch, Lienhart, Mwene, Seiwald, Sabitzer, Grillitsch, Baumgartner, Laimer, Arnautovic.
Turkey: Gunok, Demiral, Bardacki, Muldur, Kadioglu, Guler, Ayhan, Ozcan, Yuksek, Yildiz, Yilmaz.
Anything else catch the eye?
I thought Turkey's clash with the Czechs would be a bit feisty but didn't envisage the ref flashing 16 yellow cards and two reds. Eleven of those bookings went to Turkish players and they've amassed 16 across their three games so far.
Austria have also collected 10 yellows and have committed more fouls, 49, than any other side at the Euros. So it points towards another busy day for the officials and over 52.5 booking points looks good at evens.
I also like the 15/8 available for Austria to score in both halves, a bet that has landed in two of their three games so far.
This Euro 2024 match between Austria and Turkey will be played on Jul 2, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Austria vs Turkey prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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