Preview: T-Mobile Bundesliga, Round 11.
Cashpoint SCR Altach v Red Bull Salzburg,
Sunday, 23/09/2007 – 6:00 pm Cashpoint Arena,
(formerly known as Schnabelholz Stadium).
From Athens to Altach. As little as 24 hours after returning from Athens the Champions are to head to Vorarlberg in the far west of Austria.
The Bulls are hoping to pick up their first away league win of the season but can be inspired by the fact that, up to now, they have always triumphed at the Schnabelholz stadium.
The Champions have won four of their past five encounters with Altach and are yet to suffer a defeat against the club that gained promotion to the top flight for the first time in 2006/2007.
The record over the past 15 months:
Cashpoint SCR Altach 0-2 Red Bull Salzburg, 22/07/06
Red Bull Salzburg 3-0 Cashpoint SCR Altach, 14/10/06
Red Bull Salzburg 1-1 Cashpoint SCR Altach, 02/12/06
Cashpoint SCR Altach 0-2 Red Bull Salzburg, 21/04/07
Red Bull Salzburg 4-1 Cashpoint SCR Altach, 11/07/07
Despite the Champions’ midweek UEFA Cup engagement, they are sure to start as clear favourites against Manni Bender’s side.
Altach have won just two of their eight matches so far this season, although both victories came at home.
Midfield could prove to be where the game is won or lost. Salzburg’s midfielders have shot on goal more often then any other centre men in the league (100) but have netted just six times (a league average).
Salzburg’s midfield have not chipped in with a goal for three matches now, with Alexander Zickler (striker) and Remo Meyer (defender) netting in the pair of Mattersburg ties.
The Vorarlbergers can afford to invest a little more faith in their midfield, as they have contributed half of the club’s goals this season; the greatest share in the league. That the Altach midfield have tried their luck less often than any other in the league, shooting just 53 times but netting seven times (more than Salzburg) is remarkable.
Altach will sorely miss the services of Kai Schoppitsch against the Champions. Schoppitsch has been his team’s best player this season with three goals and three assists, but has picked up five yellow cards and is therefore suspended.
