Austria vs Kazakhstan

The two sides yet to post a win in the UEFA Nations League Group B3 lock horns at Linz’s Raiffeisen Arena as Austria and Kazakhstan go head-to-head.

Austria manager Ralf Rangnick has rung multiple squad changes for October’s call-up following his side’s stuttering return to League B. After a 1-1 draw against Slovenia and a 2-1 loss to Norway, the Austrians lament a disastrous seven-game winless run in the Nations League, including their disappointing results in League A during the last cycle (D2, L5). On top of that, they’ve gone winless in three straight matches ahead of this clash (D1, L2), conceding the opening goal inside the first 20 minutes on each occasion. Despite their recent fall from grace, ‘Das Team’ have been fun to watch, with their last five internationals producing over 2.5 goals and both teams on the scoresheet, highlighting the potential for a high-scoring contest.

Kazakhstan won their maiden League B promotion in the last cycle but couldn’t make good on that promising campaign at the start of their Group B3 journey. After a spirited 0-0 home draw against Norway in their curtain-raising fixture, the former Soviet republic slumped to a 3-0 defeat in Slovenia, reminding Stanislav Cherchesov’s side of the scale of challenges awaiting them at this level. Things could go from bad to worse for the Hawks, considering their winless H2H run against Austria (D2, L1), accompanied by three scoring blanks and a humiliating 4-0 defeat in their last meeting. Admittedly, that loss dates back to 2012, but hopes of avoiding a repeat are slim, with Kazakhstan losing on their last six international travels while conceding multiple goals on each occasion.