Timo Ochs to miss his first league match of the season.
Preview: Round 13 - tipp3-Bundesliga powered by T-Mobile, SCR Cashpoint Altach v Red Bull Salzburg, Sunday, 19 October 2008 – 3:30 pm, Cashpoint Arena
Salzburg’s internationals are back in town and all in good shape, including Johan Vonlanthen who played through an epic 120 minute playoff. The Swiss international suffered a left knee strain but should be able to play in Altach.
The Red Bulls will start as favourites at bottom-of-the-table Altach for their eighth Sunday match so far this season.
The Bulls have the chance to continue their winning run as the league restarts after the international break. Their last three matches in a row have been won in a series that included Salzburg’s first away win of the season in Mattersburg.
Bottom of the table Altach boosted their confidence recently with their second win of the season in Linz but they no doubt lack the self-belief that Salzburg currently possess.
Alexander Zickler clinched the winner from a Laszlo Bodnar cross in the Red Bulls last match against Rapid Vienna. Perhaps this combination will strike again against Altach, who have proved to be vulnerable against crosses so far this season with nine goals conceded in this manner.
Salzburg on the other hand have the deadliest wide men in the league with seven of their goals coming from crosses. In putting in 70 crosses they are also the team to test their opponents’ aerial defensive strength the most.
The Red Bulls also scored two goals from crosses during their 3-0 home win against Altach in July. On the contrary, Altach are the only team in the league yet to have scored from a cross this season.
Red Bull Salzburg will be without the services of their trusty regular goalkeeper for the first time this season. Timo Ochs picked up a thigh injury against Rapid Vienna and will be forced to sit out Sunday’s match.
More injury news:
- Christoph Leitgeb: After having an arthroscopy two weeks ago the midfielder is set to return to training next week.
- Sasa Ilic: Will also return to training next week after recently suffering a stomach muscle injury.
- Johan Vonlanthen: A knee strain saw him undergo therapy today but he should be back in training in the next few days, perhaps as soon as tomorrow.
