LASK Aims for Next Success

After the first two matches since the point split, the Linzers stand at the top of the qualification group with a flawless record. Following a 2-0 win at SCR Altach, they secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory at home against GAK last week. With this, LASK not only maintains a perfect points record but is also one of only two teams, along with Wiener Austria, to have kept a clean sheet in the final round.

The Linzers have played eight league matches this calendar year, with five wins, two draws, and only one defeat. If the Black and Whites can manage to secure all three points in Hartberg, they will further solidify their top position in the qualification group. Currently, their lead over their next opponent is five points, while Austria Klagenfurt trails by eight. Last week, TSV Hartberg celebrated a 3-1 victory at WSG Tirol, but before that, they suffered a 3-2 loss to Klagenfurt. "It will be no easy game, Hartberg is currently our closest challenger. But we want to increase the gap and take all three points back to Linz," said goalkeeper Tobias Lawal.

The recent away trips to southeastern Austria have been quite successful for LASK. Unbeaten since November 2021, the Linzers have taken points from Hartberg in each of the last five encounters. Most recently, the Athletiker celebrated two 2-1 victories: in April 2024 in the championship group, thanks to a goal from Florian Flecker and an own goal, and at the start of the current season, with goals from Philipp Ziereis and Melayro Bogarde.

The latter will not be available for head coach Markus Schopp in the third season meeting on Saturday due to a yellow-red card. Also missing will be Valon Berisha, who is sidelined with a heel injury, and Emmanuel Michael due to a thigh issue, while Jerome Boateng is absent due to illness. On the Hartberg side, Tobias Kainz is suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card.

ADMIRAL Bundesliga, 25. Runde
Sat, April 12, 2025, 5.00 p.m.
TSV Hartberg – LASK
Profertil Arena, Referee Emil Ristoskov

Unavailable: Usor, Jungwirth, Berisha, Michael, Boateng
Suspended: Bogarde