First Vienna (w) vs Slovan Bratislava (w) on 17 January
The upcoming friendly between First Vienna (w) and Slovan Bratislava (w) is poised to be a tactical battle filled with intricacies and a glimpse into both teams' preparations ahead of their respective campaigns. The match, set to take place on January 17, 2026, promises to showcase some of the best women's football talent. Although the game isn't part of a competitive league, both teams will look to gain momentum, build cohesion, and test new strategies for the challenges ahead. Set in Vienna, at the Stadion Hohe Warte, the match is set to start at 18:00, with the weather expected to be chilly, which could affect the players' pace and physicality. With both teams bringing different strengths to the table, the game promises to offer valuable insight into their playing styles and key players.
First Vienna (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
First Vienna (w) enters this match in strong form, having won three of their last five matches. Their style of play revolves around a balanced 4-4-2 formation, focusing on high pressing, quick transitions, and exploiting wide areas to stretch the opposition. Their last few performances have demonstrated an impressive xG (expected goals) rate of 1.8 per match, which reflects their attacking intent. Their possession in the final third has been highly effective, with around 45% of their attacks originating from the wings.
The engine of their attack is their central midfielder, who not only anchors the team defensively but also helps drive the ball forward. The top scorer, a nimble winger, has been in exceptional form, contributing significantly with both assists and goals. However, injury concerns have affected their starting right-back, who is a key part of their defensive solidity. Without her, the team may face challenges in maintaining their usual high defensive line.
Slovan Bratislava (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Slovan Bratislava (w), on the other hand, has had a more mixed run in their recent games, with two wins, two losses, and one draw. Their tactical approach typically involves a 4-3-3 formation, with an emphasis on possession and a methodical build-up from the back. They have been strong in retaining possession, averaging around 60% per match, and look to control the tempo through their central midfield. Slovan’s pressing is less intense than that of First Vienna (w), as they prefer to dictate the game and wait for the right moments to exploit spaces in the opposition’s defense.
One of the standout players for Slovan is their attacking midfielder, who excels at threading passes through the lines to create opportunities for their wingers and center-forward. The team has shown improvement in finishing, but their xG statistics suggest that they tend to be inefficient in front of goal, which could be a factor against the stronger defensive units. Injuries have sidelined their starting goalkeeper, which could leave their defense vulnerable, particularly against First Vienna's fast counter-attacks.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In their last five encounters, Slovan Bratislava (w) holds a slight edge, with three wins to First Vienna's (w) two. However, these results have been close, with both teams showing resilience and tactical discipline. Notably, their most recent encounter saw a 2-1 win for Slovan, though First Vienna (w) dominated possession and created more chances. In psychological terms, First Vienna (w) will be motivated to rectify their recent defeat and establish dominance in the friendly, while Slovan will seek to build upon their recent success and maintain their psychological edge.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the most crucial battles will take place on the flanks, where First Vienna's (w) explosive winger will face off against Slovan’s full-back. If First Vienna can exploit the space on the wings, they could trouble Slovan's defensive setup, especially given their opponent's vulnerability in wide areas. The midfield battle will also be vital. First Vienna's (w) central midfielder, who acts as both a defensive shield and a playmaker, will need to neutralize Slovan's attacking midfielder to prevent them from dictating the tempo of the game. If Slovan can dominate possession in midfield, they will be able to impose their game and create more chances.
The center-back pairing of Slovan Bratislava (w) will also be under pressure to contain the quick, dynamic forward of First Vienna (w), who has proven dangerous in one-on-one situations. This individual duel could prove decisive in the final outcome of the match.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Given both teams' contrasting playing styles, this match is likely to see First Vienna (w) dominate possession and create the more frequent attacking opportunities, particularly down the wings. Slovan Bratislava (w) will likely focus on maintaining control of the ball, trying to break down First Vienna's defense through precise passing and exploiting spaces in the final third. However, with their defensive vulnerabilities, especially in wide areas and their uncertain goalkeeper situation, First Vienna (w) is poised to take advantage of these weaknesses.
Prediction: A 2-1 victory for First Vienna (w), with the key being their pace and clinical finishing. Both teams are expected to score, but First Vienna’s superior pressing and fast breaks will likely make the difference. Expect an open game with a lot of attacking flair but also a few defensive lapses. Total goals over 2.5, First Vienna to win by a 1-goal margin.
Final Thoughts
First Vienna (w) will come into this friendly with a point to prove, looking to sharpen their attacking play while capitalizing on Slovan Bratislava’s defensive vulnerabilities. Slovan, on the other hand, will aim to control the tempo and build from the back, but their lack of efficiency in front of goal may cost them. The match will answer the question: Can First Vienna (w) overcome Slovan's control of possession, or will the Slovakian team prove too resilient for their opponents?
