The personnel situation at the Violets didn’t really ease during the international break. Marvin Martins is likely to return, the defender was already in action for Luxembourg in the European Championship play-off against Georgia and in the friendly against Kazakhstan.
However, fellow defender Tin Plavotic is out with an adductor injury. Luca Pazourek is given time off by Wimmer after three full U19 international appearances, “to take a breather,” as Wimmer said on Thursday. Romeo Vucic is also questionable. The coach hopes that Marvin Potzmann (adductor) and Fisnik Asllani (torn tendon), who have been injured for a long time, “will get back into team training or partial training quite quickly”.
Wiener Austria welcomes Blau-Weiß Linz
On Friday there will be a clash between Wiener Austria and Blau-Weiß Linz in the Admiral Bundesliga. The “Veilchen” were able to win the previous season duels.
Wimmer: “We have to control a game longer”
Wimmer used the international break for video analysis and work on group tactics. “A phase like this is always good for us because we can then reflect on what has happened in the last few weeks, what we need to work on and what worked better,” explained the 43-year-old.
Schedule and table
Bundesliga, 24th round
Friday, 7.30 p.m.:
Austria – BW Linz
Generali-Arena, SR Talic
Possible lineups:
Austria: Früchtl – Martins, Galvao, Handl – Ranftl, Fischer, Krätzig, Guenouche – Gruber, Fitz, Vucic
BW Linz: N. Schmid – Tursch, Maranda, Fa. Strauss – Gölles, Krainz, Koch, Pirkl – Mensah, Noß – Ronivaldo
“We have to get to the point where we can control a game for longer.” We can no longer give up our dominance so easily. Austria conceded a late 1-1 equalizer in Altach two weeks ago.
In the qualifying group it’s about survival
Austria has won the previous two season duels with Blue and White 4-0 at home and 2-1 away. Andreas Gruber became the goal guarantor with four goals. Wimmer still warned: “They were two close games, even if the 4-0 score looks clearer than it was.”
However, since the Linz team, in contrast to Austria, who wants to get into the European Cup play-offs, are completely prepared for a relegation battle, the roles are clearly assigned. “It’s something different in the qualifying group, you always go into the game as favorites,” said Wimmer. “For many teams, the main thing is not to lose. This also changes the way they play. They are much deeper. You need more solutions in the final third and good remaining defense,” explained the German.
Linzer courageous after test victory over Sturm
The Linzers defended their four-point lead over the bottom team in a 0-0 home draw against Lustenau. However, the Upper Austrians have been without a win for nine rounds (four draws, five defeats). The promoted team gained courage from a 2-0 friendly win against Sturm Graz last week.
Coach Gerald Scheiblehner, who has all players available except for striker Joao Luiz, is optimistic. The best results were achieved against the stronger teams. “It’s a little easier for us against teams that are stronger in terms of play and that’s why we’re going to Vienna with absolute faith,” said Scheiblehner.
