Ireland unbeaten at home in eight straight matches: prediction for Ireland — Austria
The UEFA Nations League third-round match between the national teams of Ireland and Austria will take place on October 1 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Both teams won in the previous round: Ireland thrashed Israel 3-0, while Austria defeated Kosovo 3-1 to retain top spot in the group.
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Ireland: returning home after a statement victory
After a disappointing start against Kosovo, Heimir Hallgrímsson’s team stepped up noticeably in the second round. Ireland scored three unanswered goals in the first half against Israel, while Troy Parrott found the net for the seventh time in his last five competitive appearances.
Now the national team returns to the Aviva, where it has gone unbeaten in eight consecutive matches — five wins and three draws. What is more, Ireland has kept clean sheets in its last four home games, including a 2-0 victory over Portugal.
Austria: six points and three goals in each round
Austria have made a flying start to this Nations League campaign. Ralf Rangnick’s team first defeated Israel 3-1 and then beat Kosovo by the same scoreline, taking a 3-0 lead by the hour mark.
The visitors sit top of the group and are once again showing the attacking potency that was one of their key strengths in the previous edition. However, the squad situation is not ideal: Kevin Danso is suspended, while Michael Gregoritsch has picked up an ankle injury.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Ireland have won five and drawn three of their last eight home matches.
- Austria have won both of their opening Nations League matches by a 3-1 scoreline.
- Ireland have beaten Austria just once in their last ten head-to-head meetings.
Home streak could halt the leaders: prediction for Ireland — Austria
Austria have looked stronger based on their opening results and have already shown twice just how dangerous their attack can be. However, conditions will be considerably tougher in Dublin: Ireland have not lost at home for a long time and have kept four consecutive clean sheets at the Aviva.
After scoring three goals in the previous round, the hosts have also gained the confidence they needed in attack. Austria remain capable of creating enough chances to win, but Ireland’s current home form points to a much more evenly balanced contest.
