Austria vs Azerbaijan prediction: EUROPE: Euro – Qualification betting tips on match 2023-03-23 19:45.
It was a year to forget in 2022 for Austria who managed to win only one of their first eight games (D2, L5), something that contributed to relegation to League B in the UEFA Nations League (UNL). They did see out the year positively though, with friendly wins against Andorra and then impressively against Italy. That was some evidence perhaps that manager Ralf Rangnick – who was appointed last June – might be starting to successfully implement his style on the squad.
One of Rangnick’s primary tasks is to help Austria get over the frustration of missing out on the 2022 World Cup by helping them secure a place at Euro 2024. Having qualified for three of the last four European Championship tournaments, there will be pressure to deliver that target. He’ll be helped with that aim if Austria can start well here, and continue their standout Euro qualifying home form which has seen them win eight of their last nine matches (L1).
Similar to their hosts, although not as severe, Azerbaijan started slowly before finishing strong last year. They failed to win any of their opening five matches of 2022 (D1, L4) but then went on to win the remaining five thereafter. That helped them maintain their place in UNL Group C, yet none of their opponents within that run sit inside FIFA’s top 50 ranked nations, meaning this will be a real step up against their 34th-placed hosts.
Azerbaijan have never qualified for a major tournament and manager Gianni De Biasi was honest in his assessment of their chances this time around when speaking after the draw was made, stating that they’ll do all they can in a tough group that also features Belgium and Sweden, while also admitting “I think it'll be very hard to achieve it”. A win here could change that outlook, especially as Azerbaijan have not won any of the previous four H2Hs between the two sides (D1, L3).
Players to watch: Austria talisman and most capped current international Marko Arnautović will be desperate to make a statement considering he’s scored eight Serie A goals this season, but has played just 16 minutes of Bologna’s last five matches! Ramil Sheydayev scored Azerbaijan’s most recent goal and started this month with a double on the road for Qarabağ.
Hot streak: Austria’s last nine home games have produced at least one goal inside 40 minutes.