Austria play the Republic of Ireland on Saturday evening, with the away side heading into the game in a strong position.
Ireland are in second place, level on seven points after three games with leaders Serbia in Group D.
A win could take Martin O’Neill’s team top of the group, should Serbia fail to beat Wales in Cardiff later in the day, and a draw would keep the side in contention to finish in the top two places in the group.
Austria, meanwhile, need a win to kick-start their campaign to qualify for the World Cup, after losing their last game to Serbia, 3-2.
Three changes and a bloody exciting team https://t.co/weajE2r6gZ
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) November 12, 2016
There’ll be a lot of scouts in attendance to watch the game.
15 clubs in total, including Manchester United, Sevilla and Marseille, have sent scouts to the Ernst-Happel-Stadium in Vienna.
Football journalist Miguel Delaney tweeted a photo of the list of scouts in attendance ahead of the game, and it makes for interesting reading.
Miguel Delaney.Here’s a closer look.
Whether they’re all in attendance to look at Irish players is highly unlikely, but the presence of scouts from Newcastle United and Sunderland is in keeping with recent stories regarding Irish players.
Daryl Horgan, the Dundalk winger, has been linked with a move to the Magpies following his brilliant displays for the Premier Division champions over the past year.
Sunderland have also been linked with a January move for Robbie Brady, after the Ireland star failed get a move away from Norwich City following their relegation from the Premier League last season.
Unfortunately, the Manchester United scout appears to be casting his eye over an Austrian, rather than one of O’Neill’s players.
Manchester United scout Bormann attends his second Austria home game in a row.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) November 12, 2016
