Austria Wien wants to stay at the top in the Football Bundesliga after a setback in the Vienna Derby

On Sunday at 5 PM in the Generali Arena, Austria Vienna will face Red Bull Salzburg. The Violets have not been able to secure a victory against the Bulls in the last 20 games. Although the performance has fluctuated recently, Austria Vienna has a two-point lead over the third-placed team.

Austria Vienna Before the Match Against Red Bull Salzburg

On Easter Sunday, it is also about ending the goalless period for Austria Vienna. No goals were scored in the cup semi-final against Hartberg, in the championship appearances against WAC, and in the derby at Rapid. "We are not at all satisfied with the yield itself. However, it is completely normal, even when looking at other leagues, that there are such phases," said Austria coach Stephan Helm. Although they did not create a plethora of chances in recent appearances, they had enough to give the games a completely different turn.

"I don't want to sugarcoat anything, but I would be worried if we weren't creating opportunities. We stay fully committed and have to force it," said the Burgenlander, outlining the strategy. Looking at certain statistics offers little encouragement. Salzburg played to zero in the last four duels with Austria, this season there was a 2-0 in Wals-Siezenheim, and a 1-0 in Vienna. Only Oscar Gloukh appeared as a scorer, who will continue to be absent on Sunday after his tonsil surgery.

Additionally, Takumu Kawamura, Maurits Kjaergaard, Karim Konate, Karim Onisiwo, and Nicolas Capaldo, who is out "for some time" after suffering a toe fracture in training, are unavailable. The participation of Aleksa Terzic is questionable due to adductor problems. As options, Mamady Diambou and ÖFB team goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, who have returned to team training, are available. For the Viennese, Philipp Wiesinger, who is suspended due to yellow cards, is missing compared to the derby. Offensive player Andreas Gruber is back in training, with Helm wanting to exercise "caution" with him.

Disappointment in Vienna Derby for Austria Overcome

The lost prestige duel along with the "great disappointment" has been put out of the minds of the Favoriten team. "We need to do better with the small things, the details," demanded Helm. The more offensive playing style of Salzburg should play into the hands of the Viennese. "Under Thomas Letsch, they have returned to classic RB football," said Helm. As former serial champions, the "Bulls" are used to always having to win games. The recent 1-2 against Sturm will play a "not too big role." Salzburg is five points behind first place and Sturm Graz. "After we had to suffer an unnecessary defeat against Sturm recently, we are now highly motivated to do better in Vienna and take something away," announced Salzburg's coach. With a win, his team would move up to second place. "Austria is still playing for the title, we also want to stay at the top with a win and put pressure on the leaders," said striker Yorbe Vertessen.

Austria Vienna Winless in 20 League Games Against Red Bull Salzburg

For the Viennese, the situation of playing at the top is new. "That's good, a new situation takes you out of your comfort zone," said Helm. The "underdog role" will be more frequent in the coming weeks. On Wednesday and Sunday, they face leader Sturm, then away in Salzburg. The "Bulls" have not lost in the last ten league appearances at the Austria Stadium. "We have to be as present and sharp from the start as we were in the last duel in Vienna and use our opportunities effectively," demanded Letsch, who is preparing for a "very difficult" game. More than 12,000 tickets were sold by Friday. Austria's Reinhold Ranftl described the fans as a "huge factor." Due to a partial closure of the U1 subway line, an earlier arrival is recommended.

(APA/Red)

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