Rapid Wien II vs SKU Amstetten Prediction

Howzit my bru! Grab a cold one and pull up a chair because we've got some Austrian 2. Liga action coming your way this Friday. Rapid Wien II are hosting the log leaders SKU Amstetten, and if you're looking for a banker to fund your weekend braai, this might just be it.

Rapid Wien II are having a season to forget, sitting 12th on the table with just 17 points from 19 games. Eish, it's been rough. They recently got a proper skop against SKN ST. Polten, losing 4-0 away, and before that they could only manage a 1-1 draw at home against Austria Salzburg. Their defence is leakier than a cheap cooler box – they've conceded 21 goals in their last 10 matches with zero clean sheets. At home they're slightly better at scoring (1.71 goals per game), but they still ship over 2 goals a game. It's like watching someone try to braai without tongs – messy and bound to get burnt.

Now, SKU Amstetten are top of the pops with 35 points and only 2 losses all season. These ouens know how to grind out results, with 8 draws showing they don't give up easily. Their away form is particularly impressive – 60% win rate on the road and they're banging in 2 goals per game away from home. They recently went to third-placed SKN ST. Polten and smoked them 3-1, which shows they can handle the business against decent opposition. The only blot on their copybook recently was a 2-0 home loss to Austria Salzburg, but otherwise they've been solid as a boerewors on the grill.

Looking at the head-to-head, Rapid actually have a decent record at home against Amstetten (2 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses), but that was then and this is now. The last time they met in September, Amstetten took them down 3-1. With Rapid conceding for fun and Amstetten scoring for fun, this looks like a straightforward away win.

The bookies have Amstetten at 1.65, which is about right for a team 18 points clear of their opponents. Given the gulf in class and Rapid's defensive frailties, backing the away win is the smart play here. It's not quite as tasty as a perfectly seared steak, but it'll do the job.

Key Points:

• Rapid Wien II are 12th with 17 points and have conceded 21 goals in their last 10 games

• SKU Amstetten lead the league with 35 points and boast a 60% away win rate

• Amstetten recently beat 3rd-placed SKN ST. Polten 3-1 on the road

• Rapid have kept zero clean sheets in their last 10 matches

• The away side scores 2 goals per game on average away from home

Summary: Amstetten are the clear form team and Rapid's defence is about as solid as a vegetarian at a braai. Take the away win at 1.65 and let's make some money for the weekend!