A tense draw for Salzburg just enough to qualify
RB Salzburg have the chance to represent Austria in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League with a positive result against La Liga challengers Sevilla. The hosts need a win to be certain of that, although a draw at the very worst would continue their participation in continental competition in what has been a very evenly matched Group G. The visitors have found scoring goals difficult to achieve in the pool, and another tense clash is on the cards. Read our preview here:
Karim's not Benzema
In recent years, Salzburg have assumed a similar position in the Austrian Bundesliga as the Old Firm clubs in Scotland, thereby dominating domestically but often finding that's not a sufficient platform from which to make a big splash against outfits from better supported leagues. Nevertheless, their fate is in their own hands on Wednesday evening, and young head coach Matthias Jaissle still has striker Karim Adeyemi to spearhead his side's attack at least for another month (when the calendar typically goes quiet for a winter break). The 19 year old has accrued 14 goals domestically, which have been augmented by making his bow at senior level for Germany, which is no mean feat for his tender age. Rumours continue to swirl that he would prefer any future transfer to be across the border into the 'main' Bundesliga (possibly Borussia Dortmund), and would certainly be a better fit for both his current club's transfer policy and his own development. Elsewhere, Die Roten Bullen will be without seven first teamers, and Slovenian hot prospect Benjamin Šeško is set to partner Adeyemi up top with Noah Okafor amongst the large contingent out.
Ocampos in their half
Julien Lopetegui's charges sit second in La Liga, eight points off leaders Real Madrid with a game in hand. They come into this do-or-die match well prepared, having seen off both Córdoba in the cup and Villarreal in the league by the same 1-0 scoreline. Los Nervionenses also have fewer injury concerns to consider, but there are likely to be late fitness tests for both Erik Lamela and Suso in the wide positions of a 4-3-3 shape. Lucas Ocampos will probably start on the right of the attack regardless, and much could depend on his ability to stretch the defence, particularly on the break. Rafa Mir will be hoping for sustained support in the central role, and to be at the heart of any impact the visitors are able to muster on the fixture.
A draw will give them wings
Half an eye for both sides will be on the Wolfsburg-Lille game running concurrently. The German side sit botttom, but can also still qualify with a win over the leaders and French title holders. The whole picture makes Group G fascinating and frighteningly tense in equal measure. betway have odds of 3.30 for a draw that would probably just see a depleted Salzburg squeak through.
