Slovenia vs. Austria - prediction, team news, lineups

Preview

Slovenia and Austria will face off in a friendly match on Saturday, November 20, at 19:45 CET. Both teams will be looking to end the year on a positive note, but Slovenia will be the more confident of the two sides after their impressive performance in the UEFA Nations League.

Slovenia finished top of their Nations League group ahead of Norway, Serbia, and Romania. They won four of their six games, drew one, and lost one. They also scored 11 goals and conceded just three, which is a testament to their defensive solidity.

Austria, on the other hand, finished third in their Nations League group behind Croatia and Denmark. They won two of their six games, drew two, and lost two. They also scored seven goals and conceded six, which suggests that they have some defensive frailties.

Team news

Slovenia will be without the services of injured duo Josip Iličić and Jan Oblak. Iličić is struggling with a calf injury, while Oblak is nursing a shoulder problem.

Austria will also be without a number of key players due to injury. Marko Arnautović is out with a knee injury, while David Alaba is struggling with a thigh problem. Zlatko Junuzović is also a doubt with a calf injury.

Lineups

Slovenia: Handanovič; Stojanović, Mevlja, Bijol, Balkovec; Kurtić, Zajc, Čerin; Bohar, Šeško, Verbič

Austria: Lindner; Posch, Danso, Lienhart, Trimmel; Schlager, Sabitzer; Baumgartner, Gregoritsch, Weimann; Onisiwo

Prediction

Slovenia will be the favorites to win this match. They are the more in-form team and have a better head-to-head record against Austria. However, Austria will be no pushovers, and they will be looking to make a statement with a good performance.

I predict that Slovenia will win the match 2-1.