Estonia vs Austria prediction: EUROPE: Euro – Qualification betting tips on match 2023-11-15 17:00.
Group F was settled long ago in terms of the two direct qualification slots for Euro 2024, but Estonia’s hopes and dreams of an appearance have not yet been extinguished. They’re wedged to the bottom of the standings as one of a handful of clubs yet to win (D1, L5) in this European Championship qualification (ECQ) cycle, but went into this international window currently eligible to take part in next year’s playoffs as the best group winner of the previous UEFA Nations League D.
Estonia’s poor performances in this ECQ edition have been evident at both ends of the pitch, having netted just two goals across six matches and conceding a hefty 18 (three per game) in the process. In fact, each of their last four ECQ outings have ended in a loss ‘to nil’, which will hardly heighten morale when they look to win a home ECQ match for the first time since September 2015.
A visit from Austria, who have already qualified for next summer’s tournament in Germany, won’t appear an inviting prospect on paper for the hosts. But Estonia did run Ralf Rangnick’s Austrian side very close before eventually losing the reverse H2H 2-1. As they look to leapfrog Belgium to top the group whilst sealing an unbeaten away record (W2, D1) in this ECQ cycle, the visitors will be keen to put on a more dominant display.
This final ECQ match for Austria will begin the groundwork for their preparations for Euro 2024 – their third straight European Championship appearance – after which they appropriately face hosts Germany in a friendly on Tuesday. As such, they’ll hope to go into what will likely be a tougher fixture next week with another victory to their name. Concurrently, a positive result here would extend a run of just one loss across their last ten internationals (W7, D2, L1).
Players to watch: With Rauno Sappinen out injured – who has scored both of Estonia’s ECQ goals so far – the hosts could instead be reliant on Henri Anier who currently sits fourth in his country’s all-time scoring list (G22). Austria’s Michael Gregoritsch struck an 88th winner in the reverse H2H, which was one of his three goals across five appearances in this ECQ tournament.
Hot stat: Three of Estonia’s last four ECQs saw them record no more than one shot on target.