Preview: T-Mobile Bundesliga, Round 33: Red Bull Salzburg v SK Puntigamer Sturm Graz, Saturday 05/04/2008 – 6:00 pm Bulls Arena. Prelude: Doctors’ international Austria v Switzerland. Kick-off 3:15 pm.
“We can, must and will take three points on Saturday and increase the pressure on Rapid Vienna at the top of the table – I’m certain of that. It will be a huge psychological boost to take the lead in the title race on Saturday.” These are the optimistic words of Salzburg co-coach Michael Streiter.
Reigning champions Red Bull Salzburg are under no illusion as to the huge importance of the forthcoming Sturm Graz tie.
A 14th win in the Bulls’ 17th home match of the season would keep their chances of holding onto the title more than intact.
Fans should make sure they are seated on time at the Bulls Arena as both teams have impressive first-half scoring records. Salzburg and Graz have both got 26 goals in the first 45 minutes this season.
Red Bull Salzburg are currently unbeaten in five matches against Sturm Graz. There has also been just one away win in the last 22 Salzburg-Graz ties, stacking the odds in the Red Bulls’ favour.
The champions must nevertheless be wary of Franco Foda’s team’s counter-attacking potential. 11 goals on the break is the joint best figure in the league along with LASK Linz.
The Bulls must also avoid giving the ball away as Graz have managed to find the back of the net 17 times when being gifted possession, more than any other team.
Alexander Zickler, captain, top-goalscorer and talisman, honoured last night by local newspaper Salzburger Nachrichten, is delighted that the fans have booked their seats in droves to support the Bulls: “We have got the best fans in Salzburg. Where else would there be such huge interest after such a heavy defeat in the last home match? As a team all we can give the fans right now is our sincere promise to do our very best to keep the title in Salzburg!”
