Russia – Austria

Moscow will host a crucial Euro 2016 qualifier, as Russia is in big need of a win against group F leaders Austria.

Capello’s men are sitting on the 3rd place, one point behind Sweden and 5 behind Austria. A win today would be pure gold, as it would put Russia right back in the mix to even win the group, but anything else (especially a defeat) would be a disaster. Russia’s situation is actually worse than it seems, as their level of football is really poor. They are still in the race only due to the 3-0 default win in Montenegro, a game stopped in the 67 minute at 0-0 – with Russia not looking likely to score.

Austria has been dominant in this group and draw today would pretty much mean that they will qualify. The Austrians defeated Russia at home, 1-0 and are in excellent form, losing just one time in the last 12 matches, and that was a friendly against Brazil. This is a good, well organized and disciplined side, hard to break down and able to frustrate pretty much anybody on a good day.

Bet on Russia vs. Austria at Betsson.com and get your 25 € welcome bonus now!

Team news & lineups:

Russia should line up in a similar manner to how they did in the 4-2 friendly win over Belarus last week. Austria will continue to miss Alaba, but Marko Janko comes back from suspension. We should see the usual lineup from the visitors, as they have been extremely consistent with the team selection in these qualifiers.

Russia: Akinfeev – Smolnikov, Ignashevich, Berezutski, Zhirkov- Glushakov, Shirokov, Dzagoev, Shatov, Kombarov – Kokorin

Austria: Almer – Klein, Dragovic, Hinterberger, Fuchs – Junuzovic, Baumgartlinger, Ilsanker – Arnautovic, Weimann – Janko

Austria allowed just two goals so far in this group and their defensive quality has been the main reason for their success. The visitors will look to put on another solid performance at the back, denying Russia too many opportunities – and they should be able to do that against an offensively challenged Russian team. With the stakes being as high as they are, very few risks will be taken. Austria would be content with a draw, while Russia has to be very careful with the type of football they play – they can not leave open spaces and concede a goal.

The under over market is the way to go here as far as I`m concerned. I expect a possession game from Russia, but without taking too many risks and in the end they might well go scoreless against a better organized Austria. My tip is under 2 goals and I wouldn`t be surprised by a scoreless draw. Prediction: Russia – Austria 0-0.

Pick: under 2 goals
Odds: 2.09 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 8.72
Event date: 14 June