Rapid Vienna vs Wisła Kraków Prediction: Lineups, Team News, Injury And Preview

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Rapid Vienna vs Wisła Kraków: Europa League Qualifier Showdown

Rapid Vienna vs Wisła Kraków Prediction: Rapid Vienna is predicted to win 2-0 against Wisła Kraków, advancing with a 4-1 aggregate score.

The Allianz Stadion in Vienna is set to host a crucial Europa League second qualifying round match as Rapid Vienna welcome Wisła Kraków on Thursday evening. With the Austrian side holding a slim 2-1 advantage from the first leg in Poland, both teams have everything to play for in this decisive encounter.

Match Preview

Rapid Vienna enter the home leg with momentum after securing a valuable away win last week. The Green-Whites demonstrated resilience by scoring twice despite being reduced to 10 men when Bendeguz Bolla saw red. Goals from Isak Jansson and Matthias Seidl gave Rapid a cushion before Marc Carbo pulled one back for Wisła late on.

For Wisła Kraków, currently competing in Poland’s second tier, this tie represents a chance to upset the odds against higher-ranked opposition. The White Star will need to overturn the deficit on Austrian soil to keep their European dreams alive.

Rapid Vienna vs Wisła Kraków Lineups and Formation

Predicted Rapid Vienna Lineup (4-2-3-1): Demir, Beljo, Grgic, Auer, Cvetkovic, Burgstaller, Raux-Yao, Sangare, Hedl, Jansson, Seidl.

Manager Robert Klauss will be forced into at least one change, with Bendeguz Bolla suspended after his red card in the first leg. Expect Martin Demir to slot in at right-back. The rest of the lineup that performed well in Poland is likely to remain intact.

Predicted Wisła Kraków Lineup (4-4-2): Baena, Carbo, Sukiennicki, Kiakos, Gogol, Colley, Chichkan, Rodado, Jaroch, Mikulec, Uryga.

Wisła boss Kazimierz Moskal may opt for a more attacking setup as his side chases the tie. Angel Rodado will spearhead the attack, hoping to add to his impressive goalscoring tally from last season.

Key Players to Watch

Matthias Seidl (Rapid Vienna): The Austrian midfielder was on target in the first leg and will be crucial to Rapid’s creative play in the final third.

Angel Rodado (Wisła Kraków): The Spanish forward recently extended his contract and carries Wisła’s main goal threat. His performance could be pivotal to the visitors’ chances.

Players Unavailable or Injured

Rapid Vienna

Bendeguz Bolla – Suspended (red card in first leg)

Thorsten Schick – Injured (long-term absentee)

Wisła Kraków

Kacper Duda – Doubtful (injury from pre-season)

Where to Watch: Rapid Vienna vs Wisła Kraków Live Streaming and TV Schedule

The match kicks off at 19:30 local time (18:30 UTC). Here are the broadcast details for some countries:

  • Austria: ORF TVthek, ORF eins
  • Poland: Polsat Box Go, Polsat Sport 3, Polsat Sport Premium 2
  • Portugal: Canal 11
  • Switzerland: ORF eins

For viewers in other countries, please check your local listings or UEFA’s official streaming platforms for availability.

Head-to-Head and Recent Form

This is only the second competitive meeting between the two sides, with Rapid winning the first encounter last week.

Rapid Vienna’s recent form:

  • Win vs Neusiedl (Austrian Cup)
  • Win vs Wisła Kraków (Europa League)
  • Draw vs AC Milan (Friendly)

Wisła Kraków’s recent form:

  • Draw vs Polonia Warsaw (Polish League)
  • Loss vs Rapid Vienna (Europa League)
  • Win vs Llapi (Europa League)

Who Will Win?

While Rapid Vienna hold the advantage, this tie is far from over. The Austrian side’s home record and the momentum from their first-leg victory make them favorites to progress. However, Wisła Kraków, with nothing to lose, could pose a significant threat if they can strike early.

Rapid’s experience at this level and the boost of playing in front of their home crowd should see them through, but expect a closely fought contest.

Rapid Vienna vs Wisła Kraków Prediction: Rapid Vienna 2-0 Wisła Kraków (4-1 on aggregate)

Key Battle: Midfield Control

The midfield battle between Rapid’s Seidl and Wisła’s Carbo could determine the flow of the game. Whoever gains the upper hand in this area will give their team a significant advantage in dictating play and creating chances.

Stats and Form

Rapid Vienna have shown strong form at home, winning their last five competitive matches at the Allianz Stadion. They’ve also kept clean sheets in four of those games, highlighting their defensive solidity on home turf.

Wisła Kraków, despite their second-tier status, have been impressive in attack, scoring in each of their last seven away matches across all competitions. However, they’ve also conceded in six of those games, suggesting potential vulnerability at the back.

Standings Impact

While this is a European qualifier, both teams will be keen to progress for different reasons. Rapid Vienna, having finished fourth in the Austrian Bundesliga last season, are looking to maintain their status as regulars in European competition. A win here would keep them on track for potential Europa League group stage qualification.

For Wisła Kraków, currently in Poland’s second tier, this European run represents a chance to reclaim some of their former glory. Progress in this tie could provide a massive boost to the club’s profile and finances, potentially aiding their push for promotion back to the top flight.

As both teams make their final preparations, fans can anticipate an enthralling night of European football in Vienna. With Rapid Vienna looking to capitalize on their first-leg advantage and Wisła Kraków desperate to stage an upset, this match promises to be a captivating contest with a place in the next round of Europa League qualification at stake.

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