Nations League: Austria visits Dublin – Gregoritsch returns to the squad

The match in Dublin is part of the ongoing Nations League competition. For the ÖFB team, the task is to carry the momentum from the win against Israel and pick up points on the road as well. The Irish side faces a home opponent that is once again better-staffed than just a few days earlier.

Attack question as the key

Especially up front, according to reports from around the team, there is room for speculation. With Gregoritsch, Sasa Kalajdzic and Paul Wanner, Rangnick has several alternatives at his disposal to set the tactical direction of the attack. Gregoritsch's return opens up additional possibilities for the coach in terms of personnel.

Alongside the attack question, attention is also focused on defensive organization and the midfield. Chukwuemeka is among the players who have featured in the matches so far. How Rangnick adjusts the balance between defense and attack will become evident only with the lineup.

The match in Dublin also matters for Austria with regard to the group's standings. Looking ahead to the remaining fixtures – including against Kosovo – every point counts to consolidate their position in the competition. The away assignment in Ireland is regarded as decisive in this context.

Significance for the group

On the Irish side, the team plays in front of a home crowd and will look to make life difficult for the ÖFB team. The Irish's previous performances in the competition give the coaching staff clues about the opponent's strengths and weaknesses. Austria faces an opponent that relies on robustness and passion at home.

For Gregoritsch himself, returning to the squad is an important step following the injury layoff. The attacking player had scored for Austria in the 3:1 against Israel before the ankle injury forced a break. His involvement in Dublin could be decisive for the visitors' tactical setup.

Return with a caveat

Rangnick had stressed over the past days that squad planning is being carried out in close coordination with the medical staff. The final decision on the starting eleven, according to the coaching staff's line, will be made only shortly before kickoff. What is already clear now: with Gregoritsch, a central attacking option is back on board.

The duel between Ireland and Austria will be played in Dublin and is part of the Nations League schedule. The match will be broadcast on Thursday evening; the exact arrangements can be found in the information provided by the host broadcasters. For fans of both teams, the hot phase of the evening begins with the 8:45 p.m. kickoff.

With Gregoritsch's return and the broad range of attacking options, the situation for the ÖFB team is noticeably more comfortable than it was immediately after the Israel match. Rangnick is spoiled for choice – and at the same time must find a lineup that works in Dublin. Kickoff will deliver the answer.