- Austria have won four of their last five games, including their opening FIFA World Cup Group J game.
- Algeria have posted three wins, one draw and a defeat in their last five matches.
- Amine Gouiri has scored four goals in his last five appearances for Algeria.
Intensity on intensity in Kansas City Stadium
The infamous 1982 World Cup meeting between these two nations will be fresh in the memory of many when Algeria and Austria meet at Kansas City Stadium, USA, on Sunday, but with the stakes for both sides crucial for knockout qualification, the clash will be all about the game.
Ralf Rangnick's Austria are second in Group J with three points from a game, while the Desert Foxes sit fourth with zero points after their opening defeat. The Eagles have the better form and momentum of the two, having beaten Jordan 3-1 in the last round, but Algeria are no pushovers and will fancy their chances of qualifying if they can take something from this game.
Rangnick's side will try to suffocate their opponents
Austria have won four of their last five internationals, drawing the other, so they come into this clash in top form. Rangnick's gegenpressing game has got them on the front foot in every game since he took charge and the intensity that the whole team plays with has been relentless at times, creating a huge amount of pressure and a fast-paced style of play.
Algeria are a different beast altogether. Vladimir Petkovic's side like to play in different shapes and rely on their array of wide, technical attackers to hurt opponents on the counter. They will not look to press the whole game in the same way as Austria, but are capable of putting on their own high-tempo performances.
This will be a real clash of styles and Austria's intensity should test Algeria's selective pressing game and fast attacking counters. The Eagles have won their last four games and this is a tough one, but given the odds and their recent performances, we have to go with Rangnick's men.
Eagles have the edge
At 2.55, Austria are very much the slight favourites to win this clash with Algeria second at 3.1 and the draw third at 2.95. The odds on the other side are very fair given their current form and tactical cohesion.
Austria are favoured to win the game and we can see why given how they have played under Rangnick, but Algeria are a decent side with an attacking thrust that could spring an upset. Both teams to score - Yes at 1.8 has real appeal given Austria have scored in all of their games under Rangnick and Algeria have scored 12 goals in their last five.
Gouiri to score again for Algeria
Austria have also scored in all five games under the new coach, hitting ten goals overall. Marcel Sabitzer has three of those, and we see him scoring on Sunday. Algeria have gone for an in-form option in Amine Gouiri, who has four goals in his last five international appearances and looks a good shout to add to that total in Kansas City.
Marko Arnautovic is the main man up front for Austria in this game, as he has one in one in Group J, and Xaver Schlager has one assist.
