Austria will welcome Cyprus to the Raiffeisen Arena for a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match on Saturday night. The hosts boast a perfect record in qualifying so far, winning both of their opening two games as they currently sit in second place in Group H.
Meanwhile, Cyprus have picked up a mere three points from their first three matches so far, as they currently occupy fourth spot at the time of writing. Nonetheless, the Austrians will fancy themselves to claim all three points on home soil, and thus bring them closer to qualifying.
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Austria vs Cyprus prediction: Hosts to maintain perfect start?
Key stats
- Austria's two wins in qualifying so far have seen them score a total of six goals and concede just once.
- Cyprus are winless in three games in total in all competitions.
- Austria are unbeaten in seven previous H2Hs across all competitions.
Correct score prediction: Austria 2-0 Cyprus
Austria should have few troubles picking up all three points here in front of their home fans. Cyprus have not conceded too many goals in qualifying though so far, so it will not be entirely straightforward for the hosts.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Austria almighty favourites with the bookmakers
- HOME: 1/12 (1.08) – 92.3%
- DRAW: 11/1 (12.00) – 8.3%
- AWAY: 25/1 (26.00) – 3.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Unsurprisingly, as shown by the implied probabilities, Austria are absolutely massive favourites with the bookmakers to pick up all three points on home turf. A draw can be backed at just over 8%, while a Cyprus victory on their travels is rated at just under 4%.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Football Betting Tips Today page.
Most recent H2Hs: Austria aiming to extend unbeaten run
As mentioned before, Austria are unbeaten in the last seven meetings in total in all competitions. Six of those have resulted in victories, although their previous meeting was a 1-1 draw in Cyprus in a friendly in February 2005.
Austria preview: Alaba available for hosts
Real Madrid star and Austria captain David Alaba missed the qualifiers in June due to injury, but he is available to start here. The hosts boast no fresh injury concerns or suspensions.
Predicted lineup: Pentz (GK); Honsak, Friedl, Alaba, Posch; Seiwald, Sabitzer, Laimer; Gregoritsch, Arnautovic & Baumgartner
Last five results:
- San Marino 0-4 Austria
- Austria 2-1 Romania
- Serbia 2-0 Austria
- Austria 1-1 Serbia
- Austria 1-2 Turkey
Cyprus preview: Pittas available after suspension
Ioannis Pittas is available for Cyprus after serving his suspension following a red card against Bosnia & Herzegovina back in March. The visitors have no fresh injury concerns.
Predicted lineup: Mall (GK); Malekkides, Laifis, Sielis, Satsias; Kastanos, Kosti, Kyriakou; Correia, Kakoullis & Loizou
Last five results:
- Romania 2-0 Cyprus
- Bulgaria 2-2 Cyprus
- Bosnia & Herzegovina 2-1 Cyprus
- Cyprus 2-0 San Marino
- Romania 4-1 Cyprus
Player to watch: Marko Arnautovic
Marko Arnautovic scored a brace and also assisted in Austria's 4-0 away at San Marino in their last competitive game. Cyprus will also be expected to be stubborn defensively, and so the forward could be key in unlocking the door.