Austria Wien (w) vs St Polten (w) on 7 February
On February 7th, a high-stakes encounter in the Women’s Bundesliga awaits as Austria Wien (w) take on St. Pölten (w) at the Franz-Horr-Stadion. The clash not only promises excitement but could significantly impact the race for supremacy in Austrian women's football. Both teams are fighting for critical points, and while the match is set to showcase skill, tactical intelligence, and resilience, there is an underlying tension as each side is determined to push their season in the right direction. As Austria Wien aim to remain in contention at the top of the table and St. Pölten look to close in on the leaders, this game offers a blend of tactical fireworks and personal duels that will be crucial to the final outcome.
Austria Wien (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Austria Wien (w) have shown impressive form over their last five matches, notching up three victories, one draw, and a single loss. Their most recent result, a hard-fought 2-1 victory over SV Neulengbach, displayed their tactical flexibility and ability to press high, exploiting the spaces left behind by their opponents. On the field, Austria Wien is known for their quick transitions and intense pressing, which is evident in their average of 14 pressing actions per 90 minutes. Their pressing game is designed to disrupt their opponent’s build-up play, forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. In attack, their width is key, with the wingers stretching the opposition, creating space for the attacking midfielder to operate in the half-spaces.
In terms of possession, Austria Wien typically holds around 55% of the ball but their possession is progressive, with an average of 60% of their passes played in the final third. Their build-up from the back is often fluid, with the central defenders playing short passes to the midfielders to start the offensive sequences. The key to their system, however, is their ability to deliver precise, dynamic crosses into the box, aiming for the poaching forward who thrives on physical duels and second balls.
Defensively, Austria Wien’s backline is aggressive, often catching attackers offside with well-timed traps. However, their defensive consistency will be tested by St. Pölten’s ability to break lines with incisive passes, and their vulnerability on counterattacks could present an opportunity for the visitors.
Key Player: Austria Wien's forward, Isabelle Moser, will be the focal point in attack. With five goals in the last six games, Moser’s ability to hold off defenders and score from set pieces or open play will be pivotal. Her link-up play with the midfielders will be crucial to Austria Wien’s offensive success. However, Austria Wien will have to cope without defensive lynchpin, Sarah Reisinger, who is suspended for this clash, potentially weakening their high defensive line.
St. Pölten (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
St. Pölten (w) are in excellent form, having won four out of their last five matches, with one draw. Their attacking game is marked by fluid possession and a focus on building from the back through controlled passing. St. Pölten’s playing style revolves around controlling the tempo and creating overloads in midfield, with their full-backs often pushing high to offer width and support to the attackers. With a high percentage of possession (averaging 60%), St. Pölten's system is built around fast ball circulation and frequent switches of play to stretch the opposition and create space for their attackers. Their midfield is compact, and they are known for their vertical passing, which bypasses the first line of defense, seeking through balls to exploit space behind the opposition's defense.
St. Pölten's key strength lies in their attacking transitions and ability to exploit spaces with direct passes into the forwards. This approach will be crucial against Austria Wien’s high pressing game. They are dangerous from set pieces, and their top scorer, Alina Schwarzenbacher, has shown a knack for making well-timed runs into the box, anticipating crosses and delivering clinical finishes. Their average of 4.2 shots on target per game illustrates their clinical edge in front of goal.
Defensively, St. Pölten’s backline is solid, with their goalkeeper, Sabine Puster, boasting a save percentage of 83%. However, they can be vulnerable to quick, counter-attacking teams like Austria Wien, who have a flair for exploiting defensive lapses.
Key Player: Alina Schwarzenbacher will be crucial in breaking down Austria Wien’s defense. With eight goals in her last six appearances, she is not only a finisher but a constant threat with her movement off the ball, making her a key target for through passes and crosses.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
Over the last five encounters between these two teams, St. Pölten have had the upper hand, winning three times, while Austria Wien have claimed victory once, with one draw. However, the psychological edge that St. Pölten holds will be tempered by Austria Wien’s determination to assert themselves at home. The most recent encounter between the two teams ended in a 3-2 victory for St. Pölten, a match where Austria Wien’s high pressing game created moments of danger but ultimately left them exposed at the back.
Austria Wien’s defensive frailties have often been their undoing in these encounters, while St. Pölten’s ability to weather the storm and hit on the counter has been their trademark. However, with Austria Wien’s home advantage and tactical adjustments expected, this clash will be far from predictable. Austria Wien will need to sharpen their defensive shape and stay disciplined to avoid falling into the same trap as previous meetings.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The tactical battle will be won or lost in midfield, where St. Pölten’s control of the tempo will clash with Austria Wien’s pressing. A key duel to watch will be between Austria Wien's holding midfielder, Vanessa Hager, and St. Pölten’s playmaker, Laura Feiersinger. Hager's ability to break up St. Pölten's rhythm will be essential to Austria Wien's hopes of disrupting their opponent’s build-up play. In contrast, Feiersinger’s vision and creativity will be key to unlocking the high press of Austria Wien. The midfield battle will undoubtedly be decisive.
Another area to keep an eye on is the wide areas, where Austria Wien’s wingers, led by Sofia Morandi, will go head-to-head with St. Pölten’s full-backs, led by Laura Rieder. If Austria Wien can isolate the St. Pölten defenders in one-on-one situations, they will have opportunities to create goal-scoring chances, particularly from crosses.
Finally, in attack, the duel between Austria Wien’s Moser and St. Pölten’s Puster will be a key factor. Moser's aerial prowess and physicality in the box will test Puster’s shot-stopping ability, while the goalkeeper's quick reflexes will be vital in keeping Austria Wien at bay.
Match Scenario and Prediction
In a game that is likely to be dominated by tactical nuances, Austria Wien’s high press will clash with St. Pölten’s controlled possession-based approach. Austria Wien will likely control possession in the early stages, looking to force St. Pölten into mistakes with their pressing. However, once St. Pölten settles into their rhythm, their superior ball control and dynamic attacking play will come into effect. The key moments will be how well Austria Wien can disrupt the build-up play of St. Pölten and capitalize on any defensive lapses.
Given St. Pölten’s superior attacking efficiency and their psychological edge, they are likely to come out on top in this encounter, but Austria Wien will make them work for it. I predict a 2-1 win for St. Pölten, with both teams likely to score. Expect a match with high tempo and attacking intent, but also one that tests the mental resilience of both teams under pressure.
Final Thoughts
The clash between Austria Wien (w) and St. Pölten (w) is a fascinating tactical contest that will answer important questions about both teams’ potential this season. Can Austria Wien shore up their defense and disrupt St. Pölten’s possession-based game? Or will St. Pölten’s superior control and attacking movement prove too much for their opponents? With so much on the line, this game promises to deliver edge-of-your-seat drama. The result could have significant consequences for the Women’s Bundesliga title race.
