Austria vs Romania: WCQ Match Preview, Odds & Prediction

Saturday will see Romania visit Vienna as Austria begins their World Cup qualification campaign, although a little bit late.

As the hosts now aim for a good start in Group H, their Romanian opponents earned three points from two games in March when competing in the UEFA Nations League playoffs.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

Austria finished in second place in a Nations League group, losing 3-1 on aggregate in a springtime playoff against Serbia. They were undefeated at home in the group round, beating Norway, Kazakhstan, and Slovenia. However, they drew 1-1 at Ernst-Happel-Stadion before losing 2-0 in Belgrade. Ralph Rangnick's first goal is to ensure Austria qualifies for the next World Cup, even if it means staying in League B of UEFA's newest international league. Austria's head coach, Ralph Rangnick, has the responsibility to break their worldwide finals drought, which began with their 1998 campaign.

Romania and Austria played twice in qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, with Romania earning a single point from both matches. The Tricolorii must not lose any more ground in the standings after a dismal start to their most recent World Cup qualification campaign. Those who rank second or third in their groups will face a more difficult playoff path, while the champion will go directly to the finals next summer.

Meanwhile, Romania's Mircea Lucescu's squad suffered an unexpected home loss to Bosnia on the first matchday before thrashing group underdogs San Marino 5-1 in Serravalle. If they can learn anything from Saturday's game and beat Cyprus at home, it would be an ideal birthday gift for them.

Austria x Romania Team News

Not only is captain David Alaba still nursing a meniscus injury, but two other starters from their last match will also be out with injuries. Austria will be shorthanded in this match.

On the other hand, Feyenoord defender Gernot Trauner will miss Saturday's match owing to suspension, having been sent off in Serbia, while custodian Alexander Schlager will be out with a wrist injury.

Ralf Rangnick, who has selected Tobias Lawal and Nicolas Schmid, among other uncapped youngsters, has some good news: Xaver Schlager, a tough-tackling midfielder, has recovered from a thigh injury.

Even though Denis Dragus often leads Romania's assault, Michael Gregoritsch should get the nod to start up front for the hosts, ahead of experienced striker Marko Arnautovic.

Parma winger Valentin Mihaila returns after missing the Tricolorii's March camp due to injury, but Britain-based players Radu Dragusin and Ianis Hagi are also ruled out. Dragusin is currently nursing an injury, while Rangers released Hagi.

Mircea Lucescu favors a 4-3-3 system, although captain Nicolae Stanciu—who has just decided to join Dragusin's previous club, Genoa—should start with a three-person midfield.

Our predictions

Austria to win @ 1.40 on Sky247.ng

At home, Austria is unbeatable. Therefore, they'll be looking to get off to a winning start in Group H by defeating their immediate competitors.

Romania, who are already feeling the heat after losing to Bosnia at home, might be unsettled by the hosts' multitude of midfield options and their tendency to make life difficult for most opponents.

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