Hartberg vs Austria Vienna predictions for this Austrian Bundesliga clash. Austria Vienna will meet Hartberg in the second leg of the European playoff, aiming for Conference League qualification. Read on for our free predictions and betting tips.
Austrian Bundesliga | 2nd Leg – May 28, 2024 at 6pm UK at PROfertil ARENA
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Hartberg vs Austria Vienna Predictions
Tactical Brilliance vs. Home Resilience: A Battle for European Glory
Key Stats
– Austria Vienna have won three consecutive matches under new manager Christian Wegleitner, showcasing a significant tactical improvement.
– Hartberg have seen over 2.5 goals in ten of their last eleven Bundesliga matches, indicating a trend for high-scoring games.
– Dominik Fitz has been a key player for Austria Vienna, scoring in the first leg and consistently posing a threat in attack.
As the race for a place in the Conference League qualification rounds heats up, Austria Vienna prepare to face Hartberg in the second leg of the European playoff. The narrow one-goal advantage that Austria Vienna hold from the first leg adds an extra layer of intrigue to this clash at the PROfertil Arena. With both teams eyeing a spot in Europe, the stakes are high, and the tactical nuances of this match promise to be fascinating.
Match Context and Recent Form
Hartberg’s recent form has been a rollercoaster. Despite a strong regular season that saw them secure a top-six finish, they have struggled in the playoffs, winning only one of their last four matches. The first leg against Austria Vienna was a mixed bag; after a goalless first half, they conceded twice before a late goal from Maximilian Entrup kept their hopes alive. Entrup’s goal could prove vital, offering a psychological boost as they head into the decisive leg on home soil.
Austria Vienna, on the other hand, have shown a remarkable turnaround under the new management of Christian Wegleitner. Since his appointment, they have won three consecutive matches, including the crucial first leg against Hartberg. Despite having only 40% possession in that game, they managed to create more clear-cut chances, highlighting their efficiency and tactical discipline.
Team Analysis and Expected Lineups
Hartberg’s Setup:
- Goalkeeper: Raphael Sallinger
- Defenders: Juergen Heil, Paul Komposch, Ibane Bowat, Manuel Pfeifer
- Midfielders: Mamadou Sangare, Ousmane Diakité, Tobias Kainz
- Forwards: Dominik Frieser, Donis Avdijaj, Maximilian Fillafer
Hartberg are expected to field a similar lineup to the first leg, with Raphael Sallinger in goal, shielded by a defence featuring Komposch and Bowat. The midfield trio of Sangare, Diakité, and Kainz will aim to control the centre of the park, while the forward line will rely heavily on the creative and finishing abilities of Avdijaj and Frieser, alongside Fillafer, who might make way for Entrup if the latter’s late goal in the first leg is rewarded with a start.
Austria Vienna’s Setup:
- Goalkeeper: Christian Früchtl
- Defenders: Johannes Handl, Tin Plavotic, Matteo Meisl
- Midfielders: Luca Pazourek, Hakim Guenouche, James Holland, Manfred Fischer
- Forwards: Andreas Gruber, Fisnik Asllani, Dominik Fitz
Austria Vienna are likely to stick with their winning formula. Früchtl will start between the sticks, backed by a defensive line marshalled by Handl and Plavotic. The midfield will feature the experienced Holland, who scored in the first leg, along with Fischer and Pazourek. Up front, the trio of Gruber, Asllani, and Fitz, who also netted in the first leg, will be pivotal in breaking down Hartberg’s defence.
Tactical Analysis
Hartberg’s strategy will likely revolve around pressing high and utilising the pace and creativity of their wide players to exploit Austria Vienna’s flanks. With a home crowd behind them, they will be motivated to overturn the deficit. Key to their approach will be the performance of Avdijaj, whose ability to find pockets of space and link up play can be a game-changer.
Austria Vienna, meanwhile, will probably adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on maintaining their defensive solidity and hitting Hartberg on the counter. Wegleitner’s men have shown they can be lethal on the break, and with players like Fitz and Gruber, they have the firepower to exploit any gaps left by Hartberg’s aggressive pressing.
Key Player Duels
- Donis Avdijaj vs. Johannes Handl: Avdijaj’s movement and technical skills will test Handl’s defensive capabilities. If Avdijaj can find space, he could be the key to unlocking Austria Vienna’s defence.
- James Holland vs. Tobias Kainz: The midfield battle will be crucial, and Holland’s experience and passing range will be up against Kainz’s energy and tackling ability. Winning this duel could determine which team controls the game.
Game Flow Prediction
Given Hartberg’s need to score, they are expected to start aggressively, pressing high and trying to dominate possession. Austria Vienna, with their one-goal cushion, are likely to sit back, absorb the pressure, and look for opportunities to counter-attack. This dynamic could result in an open and entertaining game, especially if Hartberg manage to score early and throw the tie wide open.
Betting Angles and Predictions
Best Bet: Austria Vienna to Win
Austria Vienna’s recent form and tactical discipline under Wegleitner suggest they have the edge. Their efficiency in creating and converting chances, even with limited possession, bodes well for another victory. Despite Hartberg’s home advantage, Austria Vienna’s solid defence and sharp counter-attacks make them favourites to win this leg and progress to the next round.
Correct Score Prediction: Hartberg 1-2 Austria Vienna
Given Austria Vienna’s current form and Hartberg’s need to attack, a 2-1 win for the visitors seems plausible. Hartberg’s attacking efforts are likely to yield a goal, but Austria Vienna’s clinical finishing on the break should see them score twice, securing a 4-2 aggregate victory.
Goalscorer Prediction: Dominik Fitz to Score
Fitz has been instrumental for Austria Vienna, scoring in the first leg and consistently posing a threat. His ability to find space and his composure in front of goal make him a strong candidate to score again in the second leg, particularly on the counter.
Corner Prediction: Austria Vienna to Win More Corners
Austria Vienna’s strategy of soaking up pressure and counter-attacking often leads to corners, as their quick transitions catch defences off guard. Hartberg, while pressing, might force some corners too, but Austria Vienna’s tactical approach could see them edge the corner count.
Innovative Bet: Total Cards Over 4.5
Given the high stakes and the aggressive playing styles of both teams, a high card count is likely. Both teams will be eager to assert dominance, which often leads to fouls and bookings. Over 4.5 total cards seems a logical bet considering the context of the match.
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