Austria vs Slovakia
International Friendly
Date: Tuesday, 15th November
Kick Off: 19:45 UK
Venue: Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Vienna.
Austria were considered to be one of the UEFA Euro 2016 dark horses but underwhelmed and underperformed when the competition started. Since getting knocked out at the group stage, they have won just once in the qualification process for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, drawing once and losing twice, to Serbia (3-2) and the Republic of Ireland (1-0).
Desperate to bounce-back and return to winning ways, the upcoming friendly on Tuesday could prove an opportune moment to score a much-needed confidence-boosting scalp.
Slovakia, though, are no push-overs. Though they recently lose three in a row, to Germany (3-0) in the UEFA Euro 2016 round of 16, to England and then to Slovenia (both 1-0) in Group F of their World Cup qualifying group, they have rallied to trump Scotland 3-0 before romping to a 4-0 victory over Lithuania.
They are on a clear goal-scoring tear right now and will ask constant questions of a feeble Austrian defence.
In particular good form is Adam Nemec, a Dinamo Bucaresti striker who has banged in four international goals since March - a career high in a single calendar year. Additionally, Slovenski Sokoli boss Jan Kozak can also call upon Marek Hamsik for midfield ingenuity, Martin Skrtel for leadership and defensive nous, as well as Jan Durica, Peter Pekarik and Robert Mak.
Austria may be the team more desperate for the win but against this Slovakia side they may find their situation worsening before it gets better.
Austria vs Slovakia: Head-to-head stats
The nations have played just three games in their history before Tuesday’s match up. It’s one win a piece and a draw, so all level. The last match they played was in Austria in 2011 where Slovakia ran out 2-1 winners. Over 1.5 goals has a 100% success rate whilst over 2.5 goals has a success rate of 33%.
Austria vs Slovakia: Predictions
Slovakia are not travelling too well but Austria are in bad form, this seems to have a draw written all over it. If we do see goals it may be in the second half where we have the better chance.
Also look out for Slovakia’s Adam Nemec who has two goals in his last two matches. He is our pick to score any time during the match against Austria.
Austria vs Slovakia: Bet Tips
Highest scoring half: 2nd half at 23/20
Any time goal scorer: Adam Nemec of Slovakia at 7/2.
