Austria Salzburg vs First Vienna Prediction

Right then, let's have a look at this 2. Liga clash between Austria Salzburg and First Vienna. It's a proper mid-table scrap, with Salzburg sitting 8th and Vienna 9th, separated by just two points. Neither side's setting the world alight, but that doesn't mean there isn't a bit of value to be found.

Salzburg are coming off a nice 1-0 away win at Austria Klagenfurt last time out, which snapped a run of two draws and two losses. They've become a tough nut to crack lately, keeping three clean sheets in their last five. The problem is at the other end – they've only scored twice in that same period. At home, they're a bit more potent, averaging 1.6 goals per game, but they've also shipped goals, conceding 1.2 per game on their own patch.

First Vienna, on the other hand, are a classic case of 'better on the road'. Their home form is a bit of a nightmare (just one win in their last six at home), but away from home they've won two of their last four, conceding only 0.75 goals per game on their travels. Their recent results mirror Salzburg's: a 0-0 draw with Stripfing, a 3-0 hiding at Bregenz, a 2-0 win over Rapid Wien II, and another 0-0 draw. Sound familiar? They're also struggling to find the net, scoring just twice in five.

Now, the history between these two is a one-sided affair, but don't let that fool you. Vienna have won both previous meetings, including a 3-0 win back in August. But form is temporary, and both teams look a shadow of those sides right now.

So, what's the play? The bookies have this as a coin flip, with Salzburg slight favourites at 2.32. The goal line is set at 2.5, with Under 2.5 priced at 2.12. Given both teams' recent inability to score and their improving defences, this has all the makings of a tight, cagey affair. I can see a 1-0 either way or even a 0-0 stalemate.

Key Points:

Both teams have scored only 4 goals combined in their last 10 matches (2 each in 5 games).

Both sides have kept a clean sheet in 50% of their last 10 games.

Salzburg's last five matches have averaged 1.8 total goals; Vienna's have averaged 2.0.

First Vienna have a strong away record this season (50% win rate).

• The head-to-head record heavily favours Vienna, but the most recent meeting was a 3-0 win back in August.

Summary: This one screams 'unders' to me. Two out-of-form attacks meeting two resolute defences. I'm backing Under 2.5 Goals at a decent price of 2.12.