France are the reigning world champions, but they are yet to pick up a win in Nations League A Group 1.
These two teams shared the spoils when they met at Vienna’s Ernst-Happel-Stadion back in June. France had over 67 per cent possession, but needed a late goal from Kylian Mbappe to earn a draw.
Austria have beaten France just once since 1970.
Winner: France
Defeat here will confirm relegation to League B for France. Austria are under substantial pressure too, however, after Ralf Rangnick’s side failed to win in their last three Nations League matches.
France are dealing with a massive injury crisis, with Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema among the players sidelined.
Didier Deschamps still has a catalogue of top-tier talent to choose from, though, which should be enough to take all three points against an out-of-form Austria.
Anytime Goalscorer: Olivier Giroud
Only Thierry Henry has scored more times for France than Olivier Giroud. Giroud has four goals in just five Serie A starts this term, and has netted in his last three in all competitions.
In Benzema’s absence, Giroud is expected to partner Mbappe up top. He excels on the international stage, scoring 0.43 goals per game, a better mark than Benzema and Henry.
With Austria’s defence focusing on containing Mbappe, Giroud could find himself in some space.
The away side have conceded five goals in their last three Nations League fixtures – there will be chances for Giroud here, and he remains one of the game’s better finishers.
Score/Win Double: Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe has 10 goals in nine starts across the Champions League and Ligue 1 this term.
Mbappe scored when these teams met in the summer, and he’s quickly climbing the all-time scoring charts for Les Bleus with 27 goals in 57 caps.
No team can really cope with Mbappe, but this looks like an especially difficult challenge for Austria.
With France well set for victory, betting on Mbappe to score in a win is a good way to access some slightly longer odds.
The PSG star is evens to score anytime.
All odds are subject to change