Karel Brückner’s plan for Austria against Sweden

Karel Brückner’s plan for Austria in their friendly against Sweden on Wednesday is a straight forward “tune-up.” Leading into the most important qualifying match against Romania in April, the manager has went with a more experienced side. The lone debutante of the squad is Mario Kienzl of Sturm Graz.

After starting World Cup qualifying with a strong 3-1 victory over France, the Austrians lost to both Lithuania and Serbia along with a troublesome draw against the Faroe Islands.

The roster for Wednesday’s match includes Red Bull Salzburg prolific goal-scorer Marc Janko and Middlesbrough fire-ball captain Emanuel Pogatetz.

Goal
Michael Gspurning (AO Xanthi/1 Länderspiel), Jürgen Macho (AEK Athen/17), Alexander Manninger (Juventus/32)

Defenders
György Garics (Atalanta), Ronald Gercaliu (Red Bull Salzburg), Andreas Ibertsberger (1899 Hoffenheim), Emanuel Pogatetz (Middlesbrough), Sebastian Prödl (Werder Bremen/18/2), Paul Scharner (Wigan), Franz Schiemer (Austria Wien/4/0), Martin Stranzl (Spartak Moscow)

Midfield
Christian Fuchs (VfL Bochum), Andreas Hölzl (Sturm Graz), Andreas Ivanschitz (Panathinaikos), Mario Kienzl (Sturm Graz), Christoph Leitgeb (Red Bull Salzburg), Jürgen Säumel (Torino)

Striker
Marko Arnautovic (Twente), Erwin Hoffer (Rapid Wien), Marc Janko (Red Bull Salzburg), Rubin Okotie (Austria Wien)