Algeria vs Austria Predicted Lineups & Team News

With both teams progressing with a draw, both Austria and Algeria know what needs to be done for them to make it to the last 32.

They meet at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri (Saturday 9pm local, Sunday 3am BST, BBC Two). Below you will find the latest Algeria vs Austria Predicted Lineups & Team News.

Algeria vs Austria Odds

Algeria

Algeria’s key forward Mohamed Amoura is a serious doubt for this game, with Vladimir Petkovic having to make a big decision on his inclusion. Amine Gouiri led the line in the crucial win over Jordan and scored so he will keep his place at the top end of the pitch, while 35-year-old Riyad Mahrez got an assist from the right wing. 

He is set to captain his nation once again, with Fares Chaibi of Eintracht Frankfurt set to feature on the other flank. Also in the Bundesliga, Bayer Leverkusen’s young talent Ibrahim Maza could provide the spark from the number 10 role, in front of former Tottenham Hotspur man Nabil Bentaleb and Hicham Boudaoui, with the latter taken off at half-time vs Jordan.

Rayan Ait-Nouri of Manchester City will be at left-back, along with Borussia Dortmund’s Ramy Bensebaini, Aissa Mandi and Rafik Belghali in the back four. Luca Zidane will continue in goal despite having a less than convincing World Cup so far. 

Austria

Austria only had one shot on target against Argentina, so Marko Arnatautovic could be brought into the XI to add some key experience at the age of 37. He has looked bright in two substitute appearances, and could replace Michael Gregoritsch, who struggled against Argentina. 

Ralf Rangnick won’t make too many other chances having watched Lionel Messi dismantle his side last time out, although it is worth keeping an eye on Carney Chukwuemeka, who came off the bench in that one having only declared his allegiance to Austria this year. 

Marcel Sabitzer could be their major goal threat, while in midfield, RB Leipzig duo Xaver Schlager and Nicolas Seiwald will continue their solid partnership. David Alaba came off after 67 minutes in the last game but is expected to return here, alongside Tottenham’s Kevin Danso at the heart of the defence. 

Algeria vs Austria Key Players

Key Player  - Luca Zidane (Algeria)

With his dad watching on closely, young Zidane has to come up with a good performance here to keep Algeria’s hopes of qualification alive. A clean sheet would take them through to the knockout stages, and in what should be a cagey game, I’m expecting him to step up.

He made three saves against Jordan but conceded three to Messi and Argentina in the opener. Clearly a talent, the Granada goalkeeper needs to show he can step up when his country needs him the most.

Key Player - Marcel Sabitzer (Austria)

Austria have to show more intent and attacking impetus at the top end of the pitch, and with a lack of a ruthless number nine, it does feel like a lot rests on the shoulders of Sabitzer. He can play anywhere along the front line and the Dortmund man has 26 goals in 100 international appearances.

Shots from range could be key, so I’ll back Sabitzer to have a key influence on this crucial final group game. 

For all of our coverage and betting markets for the festival of football this summer, please check out our World Cup Odds over on betfred.com