Saturday 14th November – 7:45pm BST

🌍 UEFA Nations League – League B ⚽

🇦🇹 Austria vs. Republic of Ireland 🇮🇪

Heimir Hallgrimsson’s Republic of Ireland face Austria on Saturday evening knowing they probably need something from the game if they’re to keep their promotion hopes alive. The Boys in Green sit three points behind the group leaders, but they’ll take confidence from October’s entertaining 2-2 draw in Dublin when they showed they were more than capable of causing Ralf Rangnick’s side problems.

The Austrians remain unbeaten in the group and have been particularly strong on home soil, winning both of their Nations League matches in front of their own fans. Scoring nine goals in four group games, they will fancy their chances of tightening their grip on top spot, but that said, Ireland have every reason to believe they can get at the hosts.

The Irish looked sharp in spells during the reverse fixture and created enough opportunities to suggest Austria’s defence is far from unbeatable. After conceding twice against Ireland already, the Austrians know they’ll face another uncomfortable evening if Ireland can get their attacking players on the ball quickly.

Much of Ireland’s threat will revolve around in-form attackers such as Troy Parrott, but I’m leaving him alone this time round as he’s only scored one goal for new club Betis in nine games. There’s one player who stands out as a potential match-winner, Cardiff City attacking midfielder Jack Moylan. He has enjoyed a superb season and is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting players in the Irish setup.

Moylan, who has already scored four goals in his first six senior international appearances, has carried his excellent club form onto the international stage. At club level he has reached double figures in the Championship this season, 10 goals in 15 outings including 7 in his last six games. His underlying numbers for shots and expected goals suggest he is regularly getting into dangerous scoring positions.

Importantly, Moylan has already shown he can deliver in this Nations League campaign, finding the net against Israel and continuing to grow in confidence every time he pulls on the green shirt. If Ireland are to spring a surprise in Austria, it would be no shock to see him heavily involved

Austria will still be favourites, especially with home advantage, but they do leave gaps when they push forward and Ireland have enough pace and movement to exploit them on the counter. With both teams needing points for different reasons, this has all the ingredients of an open and entertaining contest. My feeling is that goals are on the cards again and Ireland can nick a result if they take their chances. A 2-2 draw would not be a surprise, but one thing I do like is Jack Moylan to score. Given the form he’s in for both club and country, backing him to find the net at any time on Saturday looks a very tempting option.

⚽ Jack Moylan to score 💷 1pt Best Odds: 5.50 at SkyBet

If you wish to watch me discuss these selections, see me as a guest on the Premier League Gambling Podcast here:

Best of luck.

Will Burns

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