Ireland vs Austria: Match Details
Fixture: Republic of Ireland vs Austria
Competition: UEFA Nations League
Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026
Kick-off: 19:45
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
TV: RTÉ 2
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Can Ireland build on Israel performance?
Ireland overcame the most chaotic of build-ups to Sunday’s game against Israel to deliver an inspired first-half display and render the game a non-contest within half an hour. Now attention turns to a huge home tie against an Austria side who have made a perfect start to the Nations League with two wins from two.
Last week’s dreadful defeat in Kosovo put Ireland on the back foot going into their second game but the boys in Green looked like an entirely different team as they overpowered Israel both in and out of possession.
Liam Kitching gives Hallgrímsson selection dilemma
The question for Heimir Hallgrímsson now is whether or not to change a winning side. Ireland did look a little leggy in the second half in Hungary, with Caoimhin Kelleher having to produce a couple of good saves.
The inclusion of Liam Kitching for his international debut came as a huge surprise, but the Sheffield United defender acquitted himself well to leave his manager with a dilemma ahead of the game in Dublin.
Whoever Hallgrímsson selects at the back, the Icelandic coach will be hopeful of continuing a solid defensive record at the Aviva Stadium, given that Ireland have kept a clean sheet in each of their last four home games.
Austria arrive without several big names
Austria don’t boast the same level of household names as in the past, with David Alaba currently excluded from the national team as he has no club, while Marko Arnautović retired from international duty in the summer. Marcel Sabitzer has made himself unavailable for the Nations League, while injury has ruled out Konrad Laimer and Christoph Baumgartner.
Despite the absence of those experienced figures, Austria put both Israel and Kosovo to the sword in their opening fixtures, but this will be their first away assignment of the campaign. Ireland are unbeaten in their last eight home matches, a run that includes a 2-0 win over Portugal.
Troy Parrott and Jack Moylan in form
Troy Parrott famously bagged a brace that day, and the Betis man opened the scoring on Sunday to make it four goal contributions (G3, A1) from his last five matches for club and country. The performances of Adam Idah and Jack Moylan at the weekend were most welcome, as there is a fear that Ireland could become totally reliant on Parrott.
Moylan now has three goals and two assists in his last three games for club and country, while his international record now stands at four goals and two assists in just four caps. This will be his biggest test yet in terms of the level of opponents.
As long as Ireland can show the same level of focus they did on Sunday, this is a winnable fixture on home soil, with three points pulling Ireland back into promotion contention.
Team News
After coming through Sunday’s win in Hungary without any fresh injury concerns, and with Ireland producing such an impressive performance, Heimir Hallgrímsson is unlikely to make wholesale changes to his starting XI.
Jason Knight and Finn Azaz will be among those hoping to force their way into the team, however, with competition for places increasing after the 3-0 victory.
Austria could be forced into at least one change after Paul Wanner was withdrawn during the win over Kosovo.
Former Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka came off the bench to score in that game and looks the obvious candidate to step in if Wanner is ruled out.
Predicted Lineups
Ireland XI (Predicted): Kelleher, Kitching, O’Brien, O’Shea, Manning, Molumby, Coventry, Abankwah, Moylan, Parrott, Idah.
Austria XI (Predicted): Zawieschitzky, Veratschnig, Affengruber, Friedl, Wober, Schlager, Seiwald, Wimmer, Chukwuemeka, Schmid, Adamu.
BEST BET: Ireland draw no bet (13/10)
Ireland v Austria odds: 23/10 Ireland, 6/5 Austria, 11/5 the draw
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