Both sides looked great defensively on Thursday, allowing just one shot on target to their opponents. I am predicting a cagey affair on Sunday
Key Stats
- Austria have seen under 1.5 goals in 2 of their last 3 home matches.
- Kosovo have seen under 1.5 goals in 2 of their last 4 matches.
No Previous Meetings
This is going to be the first head to head match between Austria and Kosovo.
Austria Topping the Group
It took 89 minutes for Austria to crack underdog Israel on Thursday in their UNL opening clash, ultimately taking well-deserved 3-1 victory (had 2.79-0.20 xG and 9-1 shots on target).
Das Team participated in the World Cup 2026 earlier this summer where they grabbed four points in three group stage matches, beating Jordan 3-1, losing to Argentina 2-0, while the clash against Algeria ended without a winner 3-3.
Next, Ralf Rangnick’s side locked horns with Spain in the Round of 32 and suffered a heavy 3-0 loss without firing a single shot on target.
Kosovo Looked Good on Thursday
Like their upcoming opponents, Kosovo also secured three points in their UEFA Nations League clash against Republic of Ireland on Thursday, taking a 1-0 victory.
They posted 2.75-0.25 expected goals here, while having 22-3 shots. The deciding moment was in the 83rd minute when veteran Vedat Muriqi found the net.
After losing the World Cup 2026 qualifying playoffs to Turkey, Franco Foda's side had two friendly matches in late May and early June, suffering a 2-1 road loss to the Czech Republic then beating Andorra 3-0 at home.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Austria (4-2-3-1) Alexander Schlager; Stefan Posch, Philipp Lienhart, Kevin Danso, Phillipp Mwene; Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager; Patrick Wimmer, Romano Schmid, Paul Wanner; Sasa Kalajdzic
Austria have to cope without several long-standing core players, as all-time leading scorer Marko Arnautovic retired, Marcel Sabitzer is taking a break, and Konrad Laimer remains sidelined with an adductor injury. Furthermore, David Alaba was omitted, while forward Michael Gregoritsch picked up an ankle injury.
Austria have to cope without several long-standing core players, as all-time leading scorer Marko Arnautovic retired, Marcel Sabitzer is taking a break, and Konrad Laimer remains sidelined with an adductor injury. Furthermore, David Alaba was omitted, while forward Michael Gregoritsch picked up an ankle injury.
Kosovo (3-4-2-1) Arijanet Muric; Lumbardh Dellova, Kreshnik Hajdari, Ilir Krasniqi; Mergim Vojvoda, Florent Hoxha, Lindon Avdullahu, Dion Gallapeni; Edon Zhegrova, Ermal Krasniqi; Vedat Muriqi
Amir Rrahmani retired from international duty. Vedat Muriqi is expected to lead the attack once again.
Amir Rrahmani retired from international duty. Vedat Muriqi is expected to lead the attack once again.