Table Clash Away Against SKN St. Pölten
In the 20th round of the ADMIRAL 2nd League, Vienna faces a top match: The Blue-Yellows travel to SKN St. Pölten for an away fixture. Kickoff for the clash between the table neighbors is set for Friday at 8:30 PM at NV Arena.
Response Required After Derby Defeat
Following the bitter last-minute defeat in El Danubio against FAC, head coach Mehmet Sütcü’s team is eager to respond appropriately on the pitch. The coach remains optimistic ahead of the showdown with the Lower Austrians:
"We have thoroughly analyzed the derby loss and drawn the right conclusions. Against St. Pölten, we need to be more aggressive from the start and show greater consistency. If we do that, I am convinced we can take something from the game."
The painful defeat against FAC came in stoppage time with a late goal sealing a 2-1 loss. Now, the team looks to deliver the right reaction in St. Pölten.
Table Promises High Tension
With a two-point lead over their hosts, Vienna travels as the third-placed team to this top encounter. The home side has found stability after a shaky start to the season and a coaching change in October, remaining unbeaten in seven matches. In the spring, SKN has recorded two wins and a draw, while Vienna has managed one victory and two defeats so far.
"St. Pölten has stabilized and is tough to break down. We need to be fully alert from the first minute," warns Sütcü about the opponent’s compact playing style.
Besides the two-point lead over SKN St. Pölten, Vienna currently trails league leaders Admira by eleven points. Although there are still several rounds left to play, a realistic promotion chance would require an extraordinary winning streak. In the first-leg match at Hohe Warte last summer, Vienna secured a 2-1 victory against SKN.
Head-to-Head Record Provides Encouragement
Statistics favor Vienna: Since their return to the league, the Blue-Yellows have recorded three wins and one draw in five encounters against St. Pölten. One particularly memorable match was the thrilling 7-3 home victory in spring 2024. Vienna has only suffered one defeat to SKN and now aims to extend this positive record.
Almost a Full Squad Available
Aside from long-term absentees D. Luxbacher, Monschein, and Rusek, the coaching staff has nearly the entire squad at their disposal.
With a focused performance, Vienna not only aims to make up for the derby defeat on Friday evening but also to defend their third place in the standings. Whether they succeed will be decided from 8:30 PM at NV Arena.
SKN St. Pölten vs. First Vienna FC 1894
ADMIRAL 2nd League, 20th Round
Friday, March 14, 2025, 8:30 PM
NV Arena
