Ireland and Austria go head-to-head for the fifth time in their history this week and just like all their previous encounters, we're predicting a close and competitive 90 minutes between the two countries.
The two teams have met four times between 2013 and 2017, playing out two stalemates and each picking up one victory. Both of the draws, which include the most recent encounter, have ended with both teams scoring and were both played in Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.
Thursday's clash marks Ireland's first home game of this season's Nations League, having narrowly lost in Kosovo on matchday one and following that up with an excellent 3-0 win against Israel in a neutral stadium.
Austria picked up maximum points from their back-to-back home games against Israel and Kosovo, but each of those matches ended with goals being scored at both ends of the pitch.
Troy Parrott is already off the mark in the 2026/27 Nations League, having scored one of Ireland's goals against Israel last time out. Parrott scored 25 goals in 28 league games for Dutch side AZ Alkmaar last season, earning him a move to La Liga outfit Real Betis, where he has scored twice in four appearances.
The 24-year-old has a good record for his country as well, scoring 12 times in 37 caps, really making his name in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, in which he scored six goals.
We're predicting goals for both teams in this game but have backed the final result to end in a draw. Ireland are tough to beat in their own backyard, and the hosts have Parrott leading the line, looking full of confidence and deadly in front of goal.
Ireland 1-1 Austria
