Austrian Bundesliga back with a bang?
The Austrian Bundesliga gets underway on Friday evening when RB Salzburg play host to Austria Vienna at Red Bull Arena.
The hosts have been league champions in Austria nine seasons in a row, and have also won the title in 12 of the last 14 seasons.
The club’s model has been clear to see for a number of years now, signing young players from a range of backgrounds able to perform at a high level in the division, but who are also able to recoup significant sell-on value, usually to a top five European league.
Austria Vienna performed admirably to finish third in the division last season and will be confident of putting in a respectable display in possibly the toughest fixture in the calendar to start off with.
Background
There were four head-to-heads between these two sides last season, the hosts won on all four occasions and for that reason, it is no surprise to see them at a very short price to win the match outright.
When getting short favourites onside, you can find an alternative angle to enhance the odds, and on this occasion I am happy to utilise a cautious goals angle.
The Red Bulls have lost some key players this summer, and there could be a transition period in which they get up to speed in the final third, after the season has begun.
Karim Adeyemi has moved on to Borussia Dortmund after being a huge player for the club last season, while Brenden Aaronson has moved to Leeds United having also been an asset in recent years.
Goals?
Three of the four head-to-heads last season were decided by a single goal margin, and it could be a good time for the Violets to take on the champions.
Salzburg have scored in all of their last 20.
Salzburg have conceded in six of ten.
Salzburg have seen both teams score in six of ten.
Salzburg have seen over 2.5 goals in eight of ten.
Violets have scored in ten of ten.
Violets have conceded in six of ten.
Violets have seen both teams score in six of ten.
Violets have seen over 2.5 goals in eight of ten.
The Austrian Bundesliga has carved out a nice Friday night slot for their opening fixture, and with the hosts known around Europe more so these days, there could be a wider audience watching in anticipation for 2022/23 to kick-off elsewhere.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
3-0 Salzburg.