Algeria vs Austria Prediction: Super Sabitzer can make the difference for Das Team

It's a straight shootout for an automatic qualification place in Group J between Algeria and Austria on Monday (3am BST, Sunday 9pm local, live on BBC Two) at Kansas City Stadium.

Both sides have three points, with Austria sat in second spot due to goal difference and Algeria in third. With Argentina already through and Jordan already eliminated, this match effectively becomes a winner-takes-all showdown for qualification to the knockout rounds. Below you can find my Algeria vs Austria predictions, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Algeria have no major injury or suspension concerns heading into this contest, so Vladimir Petkovic may opt to field the same lineup that saw his side beat Jordan 2-1.

Riyad Mahrez is set to captain the side and should start alongside Mohamed Amoura and Amine Gouiri in attack. Ibrahim Maza, Fares Chaibi and Hicham Boudaoui are expected to feature in the engine room, while Ramy Bensebaini will provide experience at the back.

As for Austria, they should also be close to full strength, but after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Argentina last time out, Ralf Rangnick may make some tweaks to his starting XI.

Philipp Lienhart may return to the backline in place of Kevin Danso and Sasa Kalajdzic could be recalled to lead the line. David Alaba will retain his place at centre-back, along with Xaver Schlager, Nicolas Seiwald and Marcel Sabitzer in midfield.

Algeria vs Austria Odds

Algeria are 5/2 to pick up all three points, the draw can be backed at 13/10 and Austria are 2/1, giving them an implied win probability of 33.3%.

Over 2.5 goals is 6/4, while Marko Arnautovic leads the anytime goalscorer market at 9/4.

Austria to win @ 2/1

I've backed Austria to secure a vital victory and book their place in the last 32 automatically.

The reason being? Austria's squad carries more European-level quality throughout the spine of the side, and I think Algeria will find it difficult to break down a side as well organised as the Austrians.

The Argentina defeat will sting Das Team but Rangnick's side still had their moments in that game. In addition, I was impressed with Austria's performance against Jordan, despite them being World Cup minnows, so I believe they'll get back on track here.

At 2/1, backing the Austria win is full of value, in my opinion.

*Click here for the latest World Cup Odds

Marcel Sabitzer to have 2+ shots on target (Sub Switch) @ 19/10

Sabitzer is a key cog in the Austria engine and he's proven it in the opening two fixtures.

The Borussia Dortmund man managed to record three shots against Argentina, with one of those hitting the target, and against lesser opposition, he should get more chances to test the goalkeeper here.

The 32-year-old scored three goals and recording the same amount of assists during qualifying for Austria, as well as chipping in with a further three strikes and two assists during Austria's warm-up friendlies. I suspect that Sabitzer will be heavily involved in the action on Sunday, so I'm going to back him to record 2+ shots in Kansas City.

With Betfred's new 'Sub Switch' feature, if your player gets substituted at any point in the match, your selection is switched to the next player!