Austria 1–0 Rep. Of Ireland

Three points between them

The most recent meeting ended 2-2, with the Republic of Ireland and Austria sharing the points in October’s UEFA Nations League match. They meet again on Saturday with Austria first in League B, Group C and Ireland third: Austria have eight points, three more than their opponents after four matches.

The top-four context gives the contest clear stakes. An Austria win would widen the gap, while an Ireland victory would bring the sides closer together and help the visitors stay in touch. A draw would leave the three-point difference unchanged.

Consecutive draws

Both teams come into the match after two draws in a row. Austria are unbeaten in four Nations League matches, with two wins followed by those two draws. Across those four competition fixtures, they have scored nine goals and conceded five.

Ireland’s sequence in the same competition began with a defeat and a win before the current pair of draws. They are unbeaten in three and have scored six goals while conceding four across their four Nations League matches. These figures cover this competition only, rather than either team’s broader season form.

Recent meetings favour Ireland

Ireland are unbeaten across the last three meetings, with one win and two draws; Austria have not won any of them. The latest was the 2-2 draw in October, while two of the three encounters featured two goals or fewer.

Home record and away challenge

Austria have won both of their home matches in this Nations League campaign, scoring six goals and conceding two. Ireland’s two away games in the competition have brought a win and a defeat, with three goals scored and one conceded.

Our prediction

Austria’s strong home record and place at the top of the group give them an edge. Ireland’s unbeaten run against Austria suggests a close contest.