Austria vs Russia Prediction & Betting Tips - International Friendlies

Prediction published on 27/05/2018, 11:26  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 31/05/2018 at 03:22 in Football Predictions

Austria failed to reach the World Cup finals finishing fourth in their group behind Serbia, the Republic of Ireland and Wales. Home form wasn't to blame though as they only earned a point on their travels to the top three ensuring their elimination. They come into this game in very good form though with only one loss in their last nine games and they have won the last five. Those five wins include a home win over group winners Serbia and victories over Uruguay and Slovenia at home. They are unbeaten in their last five friendlies and at home they are without defeat in seven last losing to the Republic of Ireland in late 2016 and will be a good test for the Russians.

The World Cup hosts need to get some form before they open the tournament against Saudi Arabia. They are without a win in their last five games but the last four have been against Argentina Brazil, Spain and France so a trip to Austria is a bit of a drop in class. Away form for Russia has seen them win just one of their last seven games and they have suffered defeats in Qatar and Mexico.  One thing that they do need to sort out if they want to be able to compete with the top teams in the World Cup is their defence which has conceded three goals in each of the last three games. This is a difficult game to predict and low stakes are recommended, Russia know they need to get in form so go for them to either win or draw this match.