Algeria
Austria
Kansas City Stadium hosts the battle for second and third in Group J, with Argentina already confirmed as winners and Jordan already eliminated. Austria just need to avoid defeat to go through as runners-up; Algeria have to win to leapfrog them. Curiously, both sides might privately prefer finishing third given it likely avoids a last-32 meeting with European champions Spain.
Algeria — Les Fennecs
Vladimir Petkovic's side recorded a first-ever victory at a World Cup finals after conceding first, Amine Gouiri and Nadir Benbouali turning the game around against Jordan. The lineup pencilled in here has Gouiri continuing alongside Riyad Mahrez and Fares Chaibi up front, with Mohamed Amine Amoura, the squad's top scorer in qualifying, missing out through the hamstring injury picked up against Argentina. Mahrez, who set up the equaliser against Jordan, becomes an even more important outlet in Amoura's absence.
Ramy Bensebaini, back to full fitness, continues alongside Aissa Mandi in central defence, with Rayan Ait Nouri and Rafik Belghali at full-back. Ramiz Zerrouki keeps his place in midfield alongside Hicham Boudaoui and Ibrahim Maza, though some reports have Nabil Bentaleb pushing for a recall in that area. Algeria are looking to reach the knockouts for only the second time in their history.
Austria — Das Team
Austria's run came to an end against Lionel Messi and Argentina, managing just a single shot on target as Messi became the World Cup's all-time leading scorer. The lineup pencilled in here gives Marko Arnautovic his full World Cup debut at the age of 37 after consecutive substitute appearances, with Stefan Posch back from his jaw injury to complete a back four alongside David Alaba, Philipp Lienhart and Konrad Laimer.
Paul Wanner retains the number 10 role behind Arnautovic, with Marcel Sabitzer and Romano Schmid providing support and Xaver Schlager and Nicolas Seiwald screening behind them. Carney Chukwuemeka, who recently switched allegiance from England to Austria, remains an option from the bench. Austria are appearing at their first World Cup in 28 years and have already secured their best finish in that time by reaching matchday three with something still to play for.
Predicted Lineups
Group J Permutations
Argentina have already topped the group, and Jordan are already eliminated. Austria qualify as runners-up with a draw or win here. Algeria have to beat Austria to pip them to second. A draw would likely be enough for both sides to progress on four points apiece, leaving third place, and the question of who avoids Spain in the last 32, as the only thing genuinely up for grabs either way.
Key Battle
Riyad Mahrez vs Austria's high press. With Amoura missing, Mahrez carries more creative responsibility than ever for Algeria. Austria's energetic double pivot of Schlager and Seiwald will look to deny him time on the ball, much as they did against Argentina, but if Mahrez finds pockets of space, his experience and quality could make the difference.
Prediction
Both sides have things to play for but might quietly accept a draw given the third-placed incentive of dodging Spain. Algeria's attacking edge, even without Amoura, should give them a slight upper hand in an open game, but Austria's discipline makes a routine away win unlikely.
Algeria 1–1 Austria — Mahrez — Arnautovic
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