TSV Hartberg vs Austria Vienna Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this Austrian Bundesliga scrap between Hartberg and Austria Vienna. The bookies have got Vienna as favourites at 2.12, but I'm not so sure it's that straightforward.

Hartberg have been proper draw specialists lately - six draws in their last ten games, and they're unbeaten in eight matches across all competitions. They've been grinding out results like a pub team that won't give up, with draws against Altach (2-2), Grazer AK (0-0), and a cracker of a 3-3 with Lask. They only lost 1-0 to table-toppers Sturm Graz, which shows they can mix it with the big boys.

Austria Vienna, sitting fifth in the table, are a bit more Jekyll and Hyde. They've just been stuffed 3-0 by Salzburg but before that they were banging in goals for fun - 3-2 at Wattens and 3-1 at Rapid Vienna. Their away form is actually top notch, winning three of their last four on the road and averaging two goals per game away from home.

Here's the interesting bit - these two already met this season, and Hartberg went to Vienna and won 3-1! So they know they can beat this lot. At home, Hartberg have been a bit hit and miss - drew 2-2 with Wolfsberger but lost 0-1 to Rapid.

Both teams seem to fancy scoring but also look a bit dodgy at the back. Hartberg are netting 1.3 per game while conceding 1.1, and Vienna are scoring 1.4 but letting in 1.5. When you look at the recent form, both teams have been scoring in most of their matches.

The way I see it, we've got a Hartberg side that's hard to beat but struggles to turn draws into wins, against a Vienna team that's explosive away but can be vulnerable defensively. That smells like both teams getting on the scoresheet to me.

Key Points:

• Hartberg unbeaten in 8 games (6 draws, 2 wins)

• Austria Vienna strong away form: 3W from last 4 away games

• Hartberg won reverse fixture 3-1

• Both teams score regularly: Hartberg 50% BTTS, Vienna 60% BTTS

• Vienna average 2.0 goals per game away, Hartberg 1.0 at home

Given both teams' attacking tendencies and defensive wobbles, I'm backing both teams to score. The odds of 1.75 look decent value for what should be an open game with chances at both ends.