Cyprus v Austria
Cyprus

Cyprus vs Austria

, KO: 17:00 , Alphamega Stadium
Austria

Austria remain in command of Group H in World Cup qualifying and could book their place at the finals with a win in Cyprus.

The Austrians hold a two-point lead over Bosnia and Herzegovina with two games to play and the top two face off in Vienna for a grand finale.

But the job could be done before then if Ralf Rangnick's men see off the Cypriots and Bosnia drop points at home to third-place Romania, who are still in the hunt themselves.

All Austria can do is concentrate on their own job and it won't be easy against a Cyprus side who have been competitive in all their group games.

A Marcel Sabitzer penalty was all that separated these sides earlier in the group, frustrating our man Vladislav after he had backed a more comfortable win for the Austrians.

The Cypriots have also taken points off both Bosnia and Romania and they've only conceded just nine goals in seven qualifiers.

So they could be a tough nut to crack but it's hard to see Austria slipping up this close to the finishing line.

How the bookies view it: No Austrian slip-up

Cyprus have peformed well in the group so far but BOYLE Sports still make them 12/1 rank outsiders. Austria are 2/7 favourites and the draw pays 4/1.

Head to head: No Cyprus thrill

These sides have faced off just four times before and Austria are unbeaten, with three wins and a draw. But that stalemate did come on their last visit to Cyprus for a friendly in 2005.

Players to watch: Still hitting the Mark

Veteran Marko Arnautovic remains a key player for Rangnick and is Austria's top scorer in this campaign with six goals. The Red Star Belgrade striker is 20/21 for another goal here with BOYLE Sports.

Ioannis Pittas has been the main man for Cyprus in World Cup qualifying, netting three times already. The experienced striker is 5/1 to add to his 11-goal tally at international level.

Probable line-ups

Having run Austria so close in Vienna, Cypriot boss Akis Mantzios is likely to field the same side. Rangnick should set up to attack as he bids to get over the line, with Arnautovic likely to be joined by Brondby's Michael Gregoritsch up front.

Cyprus: Fabiano, Pileas, Shielis, Shikkis, Laifis, Charalampous, Artymatas, Kastanos, Tzionis, Pittas, Loizou.

Austria: Pentz, Prass, Danso, Posch, Alaba, Laimer, Seiwald, Sabitzer, Baumgartner, Arnautovic, Gregoritsch.

Anything else catch the eye?

Cyprus have nothing to play for but they're still a tough team to break down so going for an Austrian win with under 3.5 goals could pay off at evens with BOYLE Sports.

If the Cypriots set up to frustrate it could lead to the corner count racking up for Rangnick's side. So I like the look of over 6.5 Austrian corners, which pays 5/4.

Rangnick's team always play on the front foot so it could also pay to back Austria to score in both halves, with that bet paying evens at William Hill.

Cyprus vs Austria Betting Tips & Predictions
Austria win and under 3.5 goals
Evens
Boylesports
Over 6.5 Austria corners
5/4
Boylesports
Austria to score in both halves
Evens
William Hill
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