- Spain are unbeaten in their last 10 (W6, D4) in all competitions
- Austria have won 6, drawn 2 and lost 2 of their last 10 in all competitions
- Spain have conceded just 3 goals in their 7 home fixtures in all competitions
Spain favourites to edge a tight game in Los Angeles
Spain should have the quality and control to outplay Austria in a battle of styles in Los Angeles this Thursday, but Ralf Rangnick's side are good enough to make it a hard-won victory for Spain. This preview suggests a tight contest.
Luis de la Fuente's side have been a well-oiled machine since December 2022, fashioning a possession-first game that can be just as damaging. The major difference has been a greater control in their game, as La Roja probe centrally, then widen the ball and use their front line as a cutting edge that can hurt any defence.
The goal threat comes from Mikel Oyarzabal, who has scored five goals in his last five games for Spain, who have bagged 10 in that span. Austria, on the other hand, have been more vertical, looking to win the ball back and attack straight through the gears at pace.
Austria can make Spain work for it
Marcel Sabitzer has been the biggest goal threat for Austria, who have scored 10 in their last five matches, hitting form after a 3-1 win over Jordan was followed by a 2-0 defeat to Argentina and a 3-3 draw with Algeria. Rangnick has done a great job since taking over in June 2022, instilling an aggressive pressing system that sees his team all over the opposition like a rash, and this Spain vs Austria prediction is unlikely to be straightforward.
They will do that again on Thursday, testing Spain's patience and the tactical question for this game is whether La Roja can avoid playing in an Austrian-style chaotic fashion. But Spain have a greater all-around balance to their game and their recent all-competitions stats of W6, D4 and L0 suggest they should keep their cool and play out a win.
Both teams unlikely to score
The 1.29 about a Spain victory looks about right given Austria are coming in with some good form of their own, so the 4.8 about a draw is also probably too high given the value of the longer other side line. From a Spain vs Austria betting tips perspective, a smarter bet might be Both Teams to Score - No at 1.44.
A smarter bet might be Both Teams to Score - No at 1.44, which fits the defensive character of Spain and the fact that Austria have conceded six goals in their last four away matches across all competitions.
