Poland - Austria predictions and free betting tips [21/06/2024]

On Friday 21 June, as part of the second round of the group stage of Euro 2024, Poland will face Austria. Both teams kicked off their campaigns with defeats: Poland suffered a heart-wrenching 2-1 loss to the Netherlands, while the nominal guests were narrowly edged out by France (1-0).

Expected Lineups

Poland: Szczesny; Bednarek, Salamon, Kiwior; Frankowski, Szymanski, Romanchuk, Zielinski, Zalewski; Swiderski, Buksa.

Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona, 82 goals in 150 matches) was benched in the first round following an injury in a friendly against Turkey but is expected to start on Friday if fitness permits. Conversely, defender Salamon (Lech Poznan) sustained an injury against the Netherlands and will be replaced by the experienced Dawidowicz (Verona). Additionally, the coaching staff cannot count on the convalescing defender Cash (Aston Villa) and striker Milik (Juventus).

In Lewandowski's absence against the Dutch, Lens’ Buksa seized the opportunity and found the net. As for playmaker Zielinski (Napoli), Frankowski (Lens), and Zalewski (Roma), they are all anticipated to start. Goalkeeper Szczesny (Juventus) and wing-back Kiwior (Arsenal) are also expected to feature from the first minute. Karol Swiderski, who was recovering in the first match but later came off the bench, now competes for a starting spot with Kacper Urbański.

Austria: Pentz; Posch, Danso, Wober, Mwene; Seiwald, Grillitsch; Laimer, Baumgartner, Sabitzer; Arnautovic.

Austria will be without Real Madrid centre-back Alaba, and goalkeeper Alexander Schlager (Salzburg), midfielder Xaver Schlager (Leipzig), and striker Kalajdzic (Eintracht Frankfurt) will miss the tournament due to injuries. Additionally, defender Lainer (Borussia Monchengladbach) and forward Cham (Clermont) were not called up. In the first round against France, five Austrian players received yellow cards, including Danso (Lens) and Wober (Borussia Monchengladbach), who unfortunately scored an own goal.

Three other players under the Damocles sword of suspensions are Mwene (Mainz), holder Laimer (Bayern), and talented Baumgartner (RB Leipzig). In the attack, the white-reds are orchestrated by Gregoritsch (Freiburg) and Baumgartner (Leipzig), with Marko Arnautovic (Inter Milan, 36 goals in 113 matches), likely satisfied with a substitute role, possibly appearing in the second half.

Stadium

The match will take place in Berlin at the Olympiastadion.

Poland

Poland commenced their continental campaign with a 2-1 loss to the Netherlands on Sunday despite Buksa's opening goal early in the match. Unfortunately, in football, qualitative play does not always yield rewards, and the Poles, having spent much of the second half defending, ultimately succumbed to a late goal by Wout Weghorst. In total, Probierz's men managed seven shots on target but allowed the Dutch to take 21 shots at their goal. This defeat snapped an eight-match unbeaten streak in all competitions for Poland.

To reach the Euros, the 'Eagles' had to go through qualification playoffs, defeating Estonia 5-1 in the semi-finals and overcoming Wales on penalties (0-0 in regular time). During their preparation for the tournament, the white-reds boosted their confidence with victories over Ukraine (3-1) and Turkey (2-1) – two other tournament participants.

Austria

On Monday evening, Austria faced ex-World Cup champions France, troubling Mike Maignan several times in the first half before conceding an unlucky own goal and ultimately losing 0-1. With zero points thus far, the match against Poland now appears as Austria’s last chance to secure a playoff spot in Group D, which also includes the Netherlands, making another slip-up unacceptable.

The nominal guests previously held an impressive seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions. In 2024, for instance, Ralph Rangnick's men remained unbeaten, securing friendlies’ victories over Slovakia (0-2), Turkey (6-1), and Serbia (2-1).

Head-to-Head

The only two head-to-head encounters between these teams over the past 16 years occurred in 2019: Poland won the Euro 2020 qualifier by a single goal, and the reverse fixture ended in a goalless draw.

Prediction for the Poland vs Austria Match

Poland has never lost to Austria in their history, and it's hard to imagine this streak breaking on Friday, especially with Lewandowski's return and the catastrophic performance of Rangnick's team against France. Despite their first-round defeat, Poland looked better in stretches against the superior Dutch side and won’t fear playing their game against a lesser opponent. I predict a draw or a win for the underdog.

Total Goals Prediction

Even without the injured Lewandowski, Poland breached the Dutch defence and had several excellent chances for a second goal. Austria could have lost by more to France, but 'Les Bleus' were let down by poor finishing. I’m putting down an individual total for the nominal hosts of over 1 goal.

Corner Prediction

Austrians will surely surpass their opponents in corner count: Rangnick's side took six corners against the French, so I’m betting on their victory in this metric.

Yellow Cards Prediction

Both teams understand the importance of securing a positive result in the second round and won't hold back in challenges. I’m betting on a total of over 3.5 yellow cards.

Score Prediction

I’m betting on a 2-1 victory for Poland.