- Austria have conceded six goals in their last four away games in all competitions.
- Spain's style is the opposite of Austria, so this could be a clash of control vs press in LA.
- Mikel Oyarzabal has scored five goals in his last five appearances for Spain, who have scored ten in that run.
Spain to edge it in a tight, tense clash
Spain should have too much quality to lose Thursday's FIFA World Cup knockout clash against Austria, but Ralf Rangnick's pressing style should make this a proper test in Los Angeles.
Luis de la Fuente has moulded Spain into a slick, possession-first machine since taking over in December 2022, while Austria's German coach has made them a relentless front-foot side since being appointed in June 2022.
The style contrast should make this an intriguing clash of the control vs chaos when these two sides face off at the Los Angeles Stadium, USA. Spain are the favourites at 1.29 and there is some value in Austria's 4.8 odds for the draw, but neither are good enough.
Spain have all the quality and Austria the tempo
Spain are unbeaten in their last ten in all competitions, winning six and drawing four, and their quality and consistency tells you that they should win this one. Austria's all-competitions form stands at six wins, two draws and two defeats in their last ten and they will arrive in Los Angeles ready to take Spain on.
This could be tight for long spells as Rangnick's gegenpress will aim to get the ball back and hit the next gear in transition, but Spain are a world-class side in terms of balance and have the quality to break Austria down on the flanks or to hurt them with surges of pace.
Spain have conceded just three goals in their last seven home games across all competitions and their recent run of 10 games in all comps (six wins, four draws) points to a settled unit that is capable of shutting games down and scoring enough to do it. Mikel Oyarzabal has been their chief goal threat, hitting five goals in their last five games and he can hurt Austria if they allow him time to get into the right spots.
Both teams not likely to score
Austria are a more vertical side and have the tempo to mix it up with Spain, especially on the turnovers where Marcel Sabitzer can be devastating. Austria have hit ten goals in their last five in all-competitions, but have also conceded six in their last four on the road, so they may not have the defensive solidity to keep this close.
The BTTS-No market is an interesting bet here, and they should be able to keep Austria at bay here.
