Austria should get their World Cup campaign off to a solid start here. They've won their last three friendlies, including a 5-1 rout of Ghana back in March, while Jordan have taken just two points from their previous four games and shipped goals in most of them. Both teams open Group J on zero points at Levi's Stadium, but the gap in recent results and know-how looks obvious.
Austria's first appearance since 1998 gives them that extra edge against Jordan on their debut. The Austrians press high and move the ball quickly, which should stretch a Jordan side that has mostly sat deep in recent outings. Christoph Baumgartner sits this one out with a thigh injury picked up in warmup, but the rest of the squad looks fit and ready.
The predicted Austria lineup lines up in a 4-2-3-1 with David Alaba captaining from the back. Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer control the middle, feeding Marko Arnautovic up top. Jordan will lean on Mousa Al-Tamari to spark something in attack, though they've missed Yazan Al-Naimat's goals after his knee injury ended his tournament hopes.
Alaba and Sabitzer have both looked sharp in the build-up games, while Ali Olwan remains Jordan's main threat from open play. No head-to-head history exists at senior level, so this one starts fresh. Austria's experience should tell over the ninety minutes.
Expect them to control territory and create the better chances. Jordan can frustrate at times but their leaky recent form suggests they will struggle to keep a clean sheet against a side this organized going forward. A comfortable enough afternoon for the Europeans feels likely.
Recommended Bets
Austria win @1.40 — strong recent results and home-like control in this opener
Over 2.5 goals @1.90 — Austria's attacking returns in friendlies point to a few goals
Austria -1 handicap @1.80 — Jordan's defensive record in recent matches leaves them exposed
Odds tend to shorten closer to kickoff — lock in value now.
