Austria
Austria arrive in good shape, having won four games in a row harking back to pre-World Cup friends before losing to Argentina last time out, and in my opinion their midfield holds the key here. Xaver Shlager and Nicolas Seiwald give them control in the centre, Marcel Sabitzer supplies the creativity, and captain David Alaba marshals a back line that has looked organised throughout the group. Marko Arnautovic, their all-time leading scorer, leads the line and gives them a focal point that Algeria will find awkward to handle. With no fresh injury or suspension concerns and only a draw required, I expect a composed and controlled performance.
Predicted Lineup: Schlager; Posch, Danso, Alaba, Laimer; Shlager, Seiwald; Sabitzer, Wanner, Schmid; Arnautovic.
Algeria
Algeria revived their campaign by beating Jordan last time out, and they carry a real attacking threat through captain Riyad Mahrez. Amine Gouiri adds a further goal threat, and from my point of view this is a side capable of moments of genuine quality in the final third. The problem is that they need to win to secure second spot in the group, so they must commit numbers forward and take risks. With no major injury or suspension worries, I expect Algeria to throw everything at this, which could leave gaps in behind for Austria to exploit.
Predicted Lineup: Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Tougai, Bensebaini; Boudaoui, Zerrouki, Maza; Mahrez, Gouiri, Chaibi.
