Algeria vs Austria – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Algeria and Austria meet at Kansas City Stadium in the early hours of Sunday morning to settle second place in Group J, in a fixture that carries historical baggage stretching back 44 years.

Both sides sit on three points after two matches. Austria hold second on goal difference, their +2 superior to Algeria’s -3. A draw sends Austria through as runners-up and leaves Algeria in strong contention as one of the eight best-ranked third-place teams. Algeria need a win to claim second outright.

Defeat pushes them into third and increases their dependence on results across the other groups. Argentina have already sealed top spot with six points, and Jordan are eliminated. The group finale belongs entirely to these two sides — and the weight of 1982 hangs over it.

Algeria vs Austria – Match preview and team news

Team news

Algeria

Vladimir Petkovic is without Mohamed Amoura, who has not featured since picking up a hamstring injury in the opening 3–0 defeat to Argentina. The Wolfsburg striker scored 10 of Algeria’s 24 goals in World Cup qualifying, and his absence is a significant blow. That said, Amine Gouiri and Riyad Mahrez provide more than sufficient quality to trouble Austria’s defence.

Petkovic is expected to retain the midfield changes he made at half-time against Jordan — replacing Zerrouki with Nabil Bentaleb and introducing Nadhir Benbouali, the man who scored the equaliser before Gouiri sealed the comeback win. Young Ibrahim Maza continues in the number ten role after an influential showing against Jordan.

Austria

Ralf Rangnick has a near fully-fit squad available. Marko Arnautovic is expected to make his first start of the tournament after scoring as a substitute against Jordan. The 37-year-old — Austria’s all-time leading scorer with 47 goals — replaces Michael Gregoritsch, who struggled for service in both previous matches.

David Alaba is fit despite managing a knee issue heading into the tournament, and partners Kevin Danso at centre-back. Stefan Posch, who played against Argentina despite a broken jaw, is expected to continue at right back. Paul Wanner is a doubt and may not feature, with Carney Chukwuemeka pushing for his first World Cup start.

Form

Algeria

After the heavy 3–0 opening defeat to Argentina, Algeria showed real character on matchday two against Jordan. Trailing 1–0 at half-time, Petkovic made a double change and switched system, with Benbouali and Gouiri combining to turn the game around in the second half. It was the first time in 11 attempts that Algeria had won a World Cup match after conceding first.

Riyad Mahrez, 35 years old and back at a World Cup for the third time, provided the creative backbone throughout. Algeria’s qualifying campaign was one of CAF’s most dominant — eight wins from ten matches — and Petkovic’s side have shown they possess both the quality and tactical flexibility to advance.

Austria

Das Team are at their first World Cup in 28 years and have shown both their potential and their limitations across the group stage. The 3–1 opening win over Jordan, sealed by Arnautovic’s late goal off the bench, gave Rangnick’s side a winning start. The 2–0 defeat to Argentina exposed the gulf in class against the elite, with Lionel Messi scoring twice — including his record-breaking 18th World Cup goal.

Austria managed just one shot on target despite 56 entries into the final third, a damning efficiency statistic. They have lost ten of their last 17 tournament matches, but their structure, physicality and midfield solidity make them a difficult opponent for any side at this level.

Predicted lineups

Algeria predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Bentaleb, Benbouali; Mahrez, Maza, Chaibi; Gouiri

Austria predicted XI (4-2-3-1): A. Schlager; Posch, Danso, Alaba, Laimer; Seiwald, X. Schlager; Schmid, Wanner, Sabitzer; Arnautovic

How to watch Algeria vs Austria?

The match will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

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