Match Preview - 19:45 Kick-Off at Ernst-Happel Stadion, Vienna

Tipped as one of the favourites to qualify when the draws for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Groups were made, Austria have performed well below expectations so far. With just 1 win from their opening 4 games, manager Marcelo Koller knows that a win against Moldova is crucial if Austria are to revive any hopes of qualification.

Moldova were understandably expected to struggle against more illustrious opponents in Group D and true to form, they find themselves at the bottom of the table after 4 games. With 11 goals conceded in those 4 fixtures, it’s easy to see where Moldova’s problems lie.

It’s interesting to note that Austria have failed to score in 3 of their last 4 home fixtures, so while they quite rightly enter their game against Moldova as favourites, it might be too much to expect an avalanche of goals.

Austria’s FIFA World Cup Qualifying Group D Results so far:

Sept 5th 2016 - Georgia 1:2 Austria

Oct 6th 2016 - Austria 2:2 Wales

Oct 9th 2016 - Serbia 3:2 Austria

Nov 12th 2016 - Austria 0:1 Rep of Ireland

Moldova’s FIFA World Cup Qualifying Group D Results so far:

Sept 5th 2016 - Wales 4:0 Moldova

Oct 6th 2016 - Moldova 0:3 Serbia

Oct 9th 2016 - Moldova 1:3 Rep of Ireland

Nov 12th 2016 - Georgia 1:1 Moldova

Odds

Austria 2/9

Moldova 18/1

Draw 11/2

Predictions

It will be a big shock if Austria fails to win this one. The only question should be by how many goals they will win. Moldova continue to be the whipping boys of Group D, so anything other than a home win on Friday night will be seen as a major failure for the Austrians.

Our Tips

First goal to be scored between 11th and 20th minute 15/4 Bet365

In a one sided match-up like this, it’s often difficult to find much value in the betting markets. One interesting stat from Austria’s preview games in Group D is that they have scored within 20 minutes in 2 of their fixtures. In fact, both of those goals were scored on the 16th minute. Bet 365 are offering 15/4 odds on the first goal to be scored between the 11th and 20th minute. In a difficult market, this offer stands out.