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Time for unbeaten Wales to truly deliver
Wales are unbeaten in Group D but a series of draws have put them four points behind Serbia and Republic of Ireland.
Chris Coleman's team have only won one of their six games, drawing two of their home matches and all three of their away ties. They really should be leading this group, having been ahead in four of the five games that they've eventually drawn.
Perhaps the weight of expectation is proving difficult for the side to deal with, after they unexpectedly reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016. Where once Welsh fans feared the worst, they are now expecting their team to win matches. Allied to this pressure, they are also meeting sides that are now unlikely to underestimate them and will set up to avoid defeat.
Coleman has a strong squad to choose from with no major injuries, but has also found room for six uncapped players. Among those looking for a debut are two players that are exceptionally young at this level - the 17-year old Liverpool forward Ben Woodburn and Chelsea's 16-year old defensive midfielder Ethan Ampadu.
Austrians in equal need of points
Like Wales, Austria are also struggling with the post-Euros blues, but for very different reasons.
Having looked one of the best teams in qualifying for Euro 2016 and fancied as a dark horse in the tournament, Austria failed to deliver on the big stage. They finished bottom of their group, behind Hungary, Iceland and the eventual winners, Portugal.
Austria have subsequently lost two of their World Cup qualifiers to the joint group leaders Serbia and Republic of Ireland. Like Wales, they have eight points, with an inferior goal difference.
Marcel Koller's team are unbeaten in their four matches since losing those back-to-back fixtures, but have drawn three of them.
Hard to discount draw
Wales are the favourites at 2.30, with the draw at 3.25 and Austria out at 3.70.
Considering that Wales have drawn so many games in qualifying and Austria are also on a run of stalemates, it's difficult to look beyond the draw.
Wales of course have the talent to win this in front of their passionate crowd, especially if the likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey can rediscover the form from last summer. The Draw No Bet market is a decent option if you fancy a home win at 1.59.
Visitors should find net
Under 2.5 goals is the favourite at 1.61, with overs available at 2.44.
With Wales having seen less than three goals in each of their last four games and Austria doing likewise in their last five, it's no surprise to see under 2.5 goals rated as the favourite.
It's a little slim to recommend. Instead go for Both Teams To Score at 2.10. Austria have found the net in all but one of their World Cup qualifiers.
Bale is in better form than you might think
There are constant rumours of Real Madrid cashing in on Bale in the press, but even if 2016-17 wasn't a vintage season for the Welsh superstar, he's still delivering on the international stage. Bale has scored four goals in the five qualifying games and is available at 2.10 to add to his tally.
Recommended Bets
Back the draw at 3.25
Back both teams to score at 2.10
Back Bale to score at 2.10
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