The'2023 IIHF World Championship'continues on Saturday, May 13, featuring a Group A matchup between France and Austria.
France vs Austria Game Info
- Date:'Saturday, May 13, 2023
- Time:'5:20 a.m. ET
- Venue:'Nokia Arena — Tampere, Finland
France and Austria are looking to begin the tournament on a high note after being left disappointed in 2022. Neither country advanced beyond the group stage last year. In other words, a victory here is important to both sides if they hope to avoid a similar outcome.
France vs Austria Odds & Spread
- Moneyline:'FRA: (-144) | AUS: (+118)
- Spread:'FRA: -0.5 (+114) | AUS: +0.5 (-140)
- Total:'4.5 — Over: (-130) | Under: (+106)
France enters this contest as the favorite on the moneyline while the spread is a pick 'em scenario per FanDuel Sportsbook's odds. This group stage clash also features an over/under of 4.5 goals with the Over being favored at -130 odds.
France vs Austria Betting Trends
- France is 0-0-0 in the 2023 IIHF World Championship group stage.
- Austria is 0-0-0 in the 2023 IIHF World Championship group stage.
- France was eliminated in the group stage of the 2022 IIHF World Championship.
- Austria was eliminated in the group stage of the 2022 IIHF World Championship.
- France is 6-4 straight up in its last 10 head-to-head matchups against Austria.
France vs Austria Prediction & Pick
I expect a competitive affair between two teams without a ton of talent. Austria really only has the Minnesota Wild's Marco Rossi, who spent the majority of the 2022-23 season in the American Hockey League. Meanwhile, outside of AHLer s Justin Addamo and Louis Boudon, France doesn't have much upside either.
Having said that, I do expect France to pick up the victory this weekend. The French team has won six of its last nine meetings against the Austrians and has a slightly deeper roster this time around. It won't be the prettiest game, but I see France escaping due to a lucky bounce or two.
Final Score Prediction:'France: 3 | Austria: 2
France vs Austria Best Bet
Regardless of who wins, I don't expect much offense from A ustria. There just isn't enough offensive talent there to expect at least three goals even if it's against a weaker team like France. With the game's goal total only set at 4.5, I'm comfortable taking the Under on Austria's projected goals.