Austria is already thinking about the play-off, the SKN St. Pölten about saving.
While the Viennese in the home game on Saturday (5:00 p.m. in the Sport24-LIVE ticker) want to secure first place in the qualification group of the Bundesliga, the Lower Austrians are looking at the table for another reason. The fight against relegation has sparked three rounds before the end of the season.-
St. Pölten is at risk of falling back to the bottom of the table if Admira wins in Mattersburg and write to WSG Tirol against Altach. Robert Ibertsberger turned the tables. The SKN trainer saw opportunities to take something with the leaders. “And to have all the cards in hand in the final phase of the league championship.” The opponent was not overpowering, the ex-Austria coach noted. “Our team is strong enough. You can’t see everything negatively.”
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Austria’s goal: 5th win in a row
Austria is already in the play-off for the Europa League starting place. In the semi-final duel of the seventh against the eighth scheduled for July 8, which is likely to be called Altach, the Viennese want to avoid a trip to the “Ländle” as far as possible. “Our goal is first place and therefore also the fifth win in a row,” emphasized coach Christian Ilzer. With St. Pölten, of course, the next opponent is waiting, who will throw everything into balance in the relegation battle. Relaxation is therefore not a must. “It’s a horror word before a game,” said Ilzer.
Qualifying group or not, past victories have brought Austria calm. The critics are silent for the time being because of the past results. “It’s been a while since we last managed to do it,” said goalkeeper Patrick Pentz of the current series. Austria won five times in one season in the Bundesliga en suite in September / October 2015. At that time Pentz was in the gate for Austria amateurs in the regional league.
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Does a draw curse end?
All three encounters with St. Pölten ended in a draw for Austria this season. At the 1-1 draw in St. Pölten a few weeks ago, the Viennese were weak, St. Pölten was at least equal. “We have already demonstrated that we can stand up to them,” said St. Pölten midfielder Robert Ljubicic. After the guest appearance in favorites, the “Wolves” will be in action in the upcoming decisive week at Admira (Tuesday) and at the end of the season at home against Altach (Saturday).
St. Pölten are missing the suspended Nico Gorzel and Sandro Ingolitsch in Vienna. Michael Ambichl is back in training, Ibertsberger has to weigh the risk of his use after a muscle injury. Austria has to cope with Dominik Fitz’s loss, and Benedikt Pichler (knee) is also likely to pause. Statistically interesting: In 15 encounters with Austria in the Bundesliga so far, St. Pölten has scored 17 points – more than against any other first division team.
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