Austria predicted lineup vs Ukraine - Euro 2020
By Max Cooper
This Euro 2020 tournament has been far from plain sailing for Austria.
It took them 78 minutes to gain a decisive lead over strugglers North Macedonia, and the unpredictable Marko Arnautovic's foul-mouthed tirade against their opponents saw him banned for their second contest.
That proved costly, as Das Team limped to a timid 2-0 defeat to Netherlands, a loss which saw them slip to third in Group C on goal difference. Coach Franco Foda knows his side can't settle for a draw against Ukraine in the final match of the group stages, and must go all out for the win.
But which players should he select for this winner-takes-all decider?
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Daniel Bachmann (GK) - The Watford man is the standout goalkeeper for Austria, and there's no doubt he'll be between the sticks for this one.
Aleksandar Dragovic (CB) - Foda has gone for a back three throughout the tournament, and he'll do the same here, starting with Dragovic at right-centre back.
David Alaba (CB) - The star of the defence, who probably should be playing in a position which utilises his strengths a bit more. Alaba's one of the best in the world in at least three roles. Still, he'll more than likely start the game here.
Martin Hinteregger (CB) - Completing the back three is Hinteregger, a solid defender for club Eintracht Frankfurt and his country. On paper, it's a decent rearguard.
2. Wing-backs & midfielders
Stefan Lainer (RWB) - At right wing back, there should be Lainer. The Borussia Monchengladbach man now has plenty of international experience and must be up to the task.
Konrad Laimer (CM) - Completing the Lainer-Laimer combination is Konrad, who'll be doing the dirty work in the midfield. A star for RB Leipzig who'll be hoping to impress.
Xaver Schlager (CM) - Shielding the backline will be Schlager. It's a tough ask for a 23-year-old, but he's got plenty of knowhow from his time with Wolfsburg.
Marcel Sabitzer (CM) - The talisman of this midfield. Sabitzer is a really exciting player and he'll be key to Austria's success if he can put in a similar display to the one he produced against North Macedonia.
Andreas Ulmer (LWB) - This is the man who will be asked to stop Andriy Yarmolenko - 35-year-old Ulmer. Good luck fella, time to use all those years of experience to your advantage.
3. Forwards
Sasa Kalajdzic (ST) - The Stuttgart man didn't start in the defeat to Netherlands, and Foda may be tempted to recall Kalajdzic for this vital match.
Marko Arnautovic (ST) - Finally, big bad Marko. Arnautovic is a controversial character, but he's annoyingly good at football. If he starts, Austria automatically stand a better chance of qualification.