Date of Tips: 06/10/2025
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (15:41 06/10/2025) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Kick-off time: 19:45 (local time)
Venue: Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna
Well, here we go again — World Cup qualifying rolls on, and this one’s about as classic a David vs Goliath as it gets. Austria host San Marino under the lights in Vienna, and let’s be real — there’s only one team expected to take all three points. But still, football’s funny sometimes, right? Could this be the night San Marino pull off the unthinkable?
Let’s take a closer look.
Austria come into this one flying. Ralf Rangnick’s side are unbeaten in their last five and sitting pretty in Group H. They grabbed a gritty 2-1 win away to Bosnia last time out, with goals from Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer doing the business.
Here’s what I think — Austria are just too well-drilled right now. They press like mad, they’ve got pace out wide, and they rarely switch off at the back. Sabitzer’s been running the show in midfield lately, while Marko Arnautović, now the wise head up top, still knows where the goal is.
One small setback — Patrick Wimmer misses out through suspension. He’s been key for Wolfsburg and the national team, so that’s a blow. But they’ve got plenty of depth: Christoph Baumgartner, Michael Gregoritsch, and Nicolas Seiwald are all ready to step in.
What can you even say about San Marino that hasn’t been said before? They’re honest, hardworking, and… constantly under pressure. They’ve lost six on the bounce, conceding 21 goals in that time. Ouch.
Nicola Nanni got on the scoresheet in their 4-1 defeat to Malta last month — a rare bright spot — but defensively, they just can’t seem to keep things tight. Alessandro Golinucci is suspended, which makes life even harder. He’s one of their most experienced midfielders and a voice in the dressing room.
If they’re going to survive this one, their goalkeeper Elia Benedettini will need the game of his life.
Austria (4-2-3-1): Pentz; Posch, Danso, Lienhart, Mwene; Laimer, Seiwald; Sabitzer, Baumgartner, Gregoritsch; Arnautović.
San Marino (5-4-1): Benedettini; D’Addario, Palazzi, Rossi, Fabbri, Cevoli; Berardi, Battistini, Mularoni, Lazzari; Nanni.
So, what do we expect here? Goals. Lots of them. Austria have scored 10 in their last six, and San Marino have conceded an average of 3.5 per match this year.
The last time these sides met — back in June — Austria cruised to a 4-0 win in Serravalle. Arnautović bagged a brace inside 15 minutes, and honestly, it could’ve been more.
Here’s what I think: this one’s going the same way. Austria will dominate from start to finish, rack up a bunch of chances, and maybe even have some fun with it.
Let’s be honest, this isn’t one for the neutral. Austria are too strong, too organized, and too clinical. San Marino will try to sit back, defend in numbers, and maybe nick a goal on the break — but Austria’s press will suffocate them before that happens.
I can see Austria grabbing an early goal and then controlling the tempo. Rangnick will likely rotate in the second half, but the goals should still come.
Match Prediction: Austria to win. Bet with bet365.
I’m leaning towards 5-0 Austria. Maybe 4-0 if they take their foot off the gas late on, but really, this one’s all about damage control for San Marino. The quality gap is just too big.
Correct Score Prediction: Austria 5-0 San Marino. Bet with bet365.
The numbers are shouting goals, goals, goals. Austria’s attack is in rhythm, and San Marino have leaked 21 in six games. Austria alone could clear the over 3.5 line by half-time if they’re sharp.
Over/Under Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Alright, if you’re thinking about putting together a cheeky Bet Builder for this one, here’s a combo that makes sense. Nothing fancy — just sticking with what the stats (and common sense) are telling us.
Bet Builder Tip:
That’s your “safe but spicy” combo. Austria should dominate early, Arnautović is always sniffing around the box, and the goals should come thick and fast.
If you’re feeling bold, swap “Over 3.5” for “Over 4.5” — the odds will jump, and honestly, it’s not impossible.
Bet Builder Tip: Montenegro to Half Time/Full Time, Over 4.5 goals, Marko Arnautovic and Michael Gregoritsch to score. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.
Austria are overwhelming favourites. They’re in great form and at home, while San Marino are struggling at both ends. Expect a big Austria win.
Most signs point to a 4-0 or 5-0 Austria victory. They’re scoring freely and rarely concede at home.
The match takes place at the Ernst Happel Stadion in Vienna — Austria’s biggest and most famous stadium.
Kick-off is set for 19:45 local time on Thursday, October 9, 2025.
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