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![Austria eye top spot with win over Ireland](<https://austriareport.com/images/austria_eye_top_spot_with_win_over_ireland_7d57b9fc_923781f2cd.webp>)

# Austria eye top spot with win over Ireland

November 14, 2026 at 06:51 AM

> Austria can secure first place in their Nations League group with a victory against Ireland in Linz on Saturday.

Austria can secure top spot in their Nations League group with a win over Ireland in Linz on Saturday. A victory would put Ralf Rangnick's side in an unassailable position before their final match against Israel in Debrecen on Tuesday.

The Austrians were held to a 2-2 draw in Dublin on October 1 after trailing 2-0, and midfielder Nicolas Seiwald warned against a repeat. "We must not let ourselves be overrun like we were in Ireland," he said.

Austria have not lost at home in 16 matches and have scored in each of their last 28 home games, both national records. However, they have conceded at least one goal in their last eight internationals.

## Defensive concerns and absentees

David Alaba, Paul Wanner, Carney Chukwuemeka and Patrick Wimmer are all out, while Xaver Schlager and Alexander Prass were ruled out on Friday with thigh problems. The ÖFB hopes both will be available against Israel.

Freiburg defender Philipp Lienhart is expected to partner David Affengruber in central defence. Christoph Baumgartner is available after a lengthy lay-off.

## Youngsters in the squad

Seventeen-year-old Sturm Graz talent Luca Weinhandl could become Austria's fourth-youngest debutant since World War II. Yanik Spalt, 19, of VfB Stuttgart, has been promoted from the under-21 team to replace Schlager and Prass.

## What's at stake

Winning the group would return Austria to League A for the first time since 2022 and earn them €1.5 million. The starting fee in League A is €2.25 million, €750,000 more than in League B.


Fotó: Michael Kranewitter · Wikimedia

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