Mattersburg v Ried – Tipico Bundesliga
Mattersburg will be at their best for this crucial relegation clash with Ried. Left back Novak has returned from injury and should be included in the starting formation, boosting their quality on the left side. There is strong competition for a few open spots among the starting XI, so Baumgartner will have some sweet worries when picking his best XI. They will be a more attacking side here as they know that a win here against a direct opponent in relegation fight would strongly increase their chances of survival. The team is in excellent home form, winning four in a row in front of their own fans. The hosts will pose a threat through offensive wingers while their key man is likely to be veteran Maierhofer in the attacking line. With momentum behind them, they won’t adopt a defensive approach if going ahead as they’ll look to search for a more comfortable lead. It shouldn’t be a low scoring as it might be seen at first sight as both teams have been creative recently.
Ried won’t be at their best when they face a direct opponent in the relegation fight Mattersburg away from home, as Chabbi will need to name his XI without freshly injured Honsak, and Walch. Both would have been serious contenders for starting berths on the wings so Ried will have some limited options to choose from. Elsneg should start on the left while the rest of the XI should be left intact. Though they won’t admit it, this is a crucial match for them as in a case of an away win they have the chance to catch their hosts in the standings and leave the bottom spot. Motivation is high but a potential defeat here would see their hopes of survival notably dropping. Ried has started to play more openly and brave since Chabbi took over a few weeks ago. Players have demonstrated better confidence on the pitch and it can be expected that they’ll continue to use a direct approach when in possession. This could lead to an end to end affair with both teams looking to secure a much needed three points.
Verdict & Prediction
Mattersburg are only a point above the last placed guests so anything but a defeat would see them remaining in the safe zone. Mattersburg has a worse record in direct clashes this season, having lost 2-1 on the road and drawing 1-1 at home against Ried. They’ll be targeting all three points as this is one of the most important matches so far of the season. The hosts are playing better football under Baumgartner and it can be easily said that momentum is on their side. Expect them to push for all three points until the final whistle.
Prediction: Mattersburg -0.25 Asian Handicap
Odds: 1.77 Pinnacle
