Austria vs Wales preview

October 5, 2016
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Wales vs BelgiumTwo sides that largely impressed in the Euro 2016 qualifiers square off at Ernst Happel Stadion in Wien, hoping to build on the good start to the current campaign.

While Austria defeated Georgia on the road, Wales recorded a comfortable triumph over Moldova and they are still flying high after the success in France.

Das Team had struggled to match Europe’s top sides in recent years, but they then enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

Austria finished to of their group with 28 points from 10 games, leaving Russia and Sweden to trail in their wake, but they didn’t quite managed to prove their worth at the tournament finals.

Das Team failed to progress to the next stage despite showing some promise in the process, and they will now want to make things right by qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Austria did well to record a 2-1 triumph over Georgia in their first fixture and they will be hoping to see off Wales as well and climb to the top of the standings.

That will be no easy task now that key midfielder Martin Harnik has withdrawn due to a calf injury, but the hosts have got the likes of Arnautovic, Alaba, Junuzovic and Janko at their disposal.

Leicester City star Christian Fuchs has retired from international duty, while Beijing BG striker Rubin Okotie has lost his place in the side.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Almer – Klein, Dragovic, Hinteregger, Suttner – Baumgartlinger, Alaba – Schopf, Junuzovic, Arnautovic – Janko.

Wales soared to unimagined heights under Chris Coleman, reaching the Euro 2016 semi-final this summer, and they have no intention of leaving the top of European football just yet.

The Dragons appear to be just as motivated at the start of the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, as witnessed by the inspired performance in the 4-0 win over minnows Moldova.

They are now set to face a much tougher test against hard-working Austria side, but they can be backed at 3.50 (5/2) to win in Wien.

Chris Coleman will have to make do without star player Aaron Ramsey, who continues to battle a hamstring problem, but Joe Allen has recovered from injury.

The lack of first team action could prove to be a problem for Hal Robson-Kanu, but Sam Vokes is ready to deputise if needed.

Simon Church, Danny Ward, George Williams and Jazz Richards all miss out, but Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale is fit to play.

Probable starting line-up (5-3-2): Hennessey – Gunter, Chester, Williams, Davies, Taylor – Ledley, Allen, King – Vokes, Bale.

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