UEFA Nations League reigning champions France will be still be looking for their first win in this year’s edition in their third ask when the visit the Ernst Happel Stadion in Leopoldstadt to take on Austria on Friday night.
Ralf Rangnik made a perfect start as Austria manager as he saw he side claim an empathic 3-0 victory over 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia. However, Das team we quickly brought back to earth after a 2-1 defeat to Denmark in their second Group A1 tie.
Austria now second in the group standings on three points, three points behind group leaders Denmark and two points above both France and Croatia. They will be looking to bounce back in the Friday’s clash as they seek to challenge for the top spot or at least avoid relegation.
In their way stand the reigning champions of the competition and current World Cup holders France, who will be desperate for a win after a disappointing start to the campaign.
Les Blues suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to group leaders Denmark on the opening day. They gave away 1-0 lead as the Dens came from behind to win the game in the second half. The result was followed by a 1-1 draw against Croatia in their second Group 1 fixture.
France now sit third in the group standings level on points with rock-bottom Croatia, and while they will not be worried about relegation now, a defeat on Friday could put them a difficult position to win the group and advance to the finals.
Therefore, Didier Deschamps’ men will be looking to return to winning ways as they seek to remain within the reach of the top spot. They have five of their last seven meetings against Austria and should be confident of extending the run on Friday.
Austria vs France head to head
Both sides have met in seven encounters since 1934 with France claiming five victories, while Austria have claimed two victories, there are no draws yet.
- France 3-1 Austria 14/10/09
- Austria 3-1 France 06/09/08
- France 1-0 Austria 28/03/07
- Austria 0-1 France 28/06/82
- Austria 2-4 France 27/03/60
Home
- Austria 1-2 Denmark
- Croatia 0-3 Austria
- Austria 2-2 Scotland
- Wales 2-1 Austria
- Austria 4-1 Moldova
Away
- Croatia 1-1 France
- France 1-2 Denmark
- France 5-0 South Africa
- France 2-1 Ivory Coast
- Finland 0-2 France
Austria team news
Philipp Lienhart remains a doubt for Austria through illness.
France team news
France will be without Raphael Varane who pulled out of the squad due a hamstring injury he picked in the opening match.
Prediction and odds
- France win
- Both sides to sore
- Goals over 2.5
