Onwards we go. Red Bull Arena to host title clash with Sturm Graz!

Red Bulls eye their tenth home win against Sturm Graz in a row.

Preview: Round 24, tipp3-Bundesliga powered by T-Mobile.
Red Bull Salzburg v Puntigamer Sturm Graz,
07 March 2009 – 6:00 pm, Red Bull Arena.

The Red Bulls' run of good form was brought to an abrupt end yesterday evening. Salzburg have the chance to banish memories of that defeat at Kärnten as early as Saturday however, when they face their title rivals.

It has been a curious trait of the league draw that Red Bull Salzburg's first three home matches of the year are scheduled against their closest rivals in the title race.

Between Rapid's visit (22 February) and Austria Vienna's appearance (4 April) it is Puntigamer Sturm Graz who will be providing the opposition this Saturday.

Saturday's match means that the Red Bull Arena will yet again be hosting the highest-profile match of the weekend in the Bundesliga.

On points, Graz are currently Salzburg's closest rivals in the championship. Franco Foda's team are third in the table but have two games in hand on both champions Rapid Vienna and leaders Red Bull Salzburg.

Sturm Graz have made an unfortunate start to the New Year, losing twice in succession. They were beaten 1-3 at home to Kapfenberg and were knocked out by Austria Vienna after 120 minutes of cup football, plus a penalty shoot out, on Tuesday.

Sturm Graz are statistically the league leaders' favourite home opponents. The last nine Red Bull Arena encounters between the two sides were won by the home side.

Most recently Red Bull Salzburg won 3-1 against Graz in September with Janko (2) and Jezek getting the goals.

Either or:
Sturm Graz have been unpredictably decisive away from home so far this season. They have won five matches and lost five, so all the omens suggest a positive result is in store this Saturday.

Red Bull Salzburg v SK Puntigamer Sturm Graz,
previous six encounters:

24/09/08 Red Bull Salzburg 3–1 SK Puntigamer Sturm Graz
21/09/08 SK Puntigamer Sturm Graz 2–2 Red Bull Salzburg
05/04/08 Red Bull Salzburg 3–0 SK Puntigamer Sturm Graz
15/12/07 SK Puntigamer Sturm Graz 1–1 Red Bull Salzburg
20/10/07 Red Bull Salzburg 4–1 SK Puntigamer Sturm Graz
04/08/07 SK Puntigamer Sturm Graz 0–0 Red Bull Salzburg