First Vienna vs SKN ST. Polten - 2. Liga

The 2. Liga returns to the home ground on October 9, 2026, where First Vienna and SKN ST. Polten will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Tottenham face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.

Both camps will view the 2. Liga meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. The hosts have hit a rich vein of form, W over their last five outings translating into a 66.67% win rate this campaign. The visitors have been hard to predict on their travels, WWLLL in their last five reflecting a win rate of 33.33%. Where First Vienna have leaned on defensive discipline, SKN ST. Polten have often taken the initiative going forward, and that stylistic difference should shape the contest. A young right-back is another position City are interested in adding in, while, in terms of outgoings, goalkeeper James Trafford is close to joining Leeds so will need to be replaced.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. First Vienna favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas SKN ST. Polten are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. Tuesday's print edition of ABC, as relayed by Sport Witness, have claimed that Betis turned down a €50m approach from a wealthy non-Premier League club for Antony.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. Cole Campbell, the club's record signing from Dortmund, marked the occasion with a debut goal too.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 2-2 draw feels like a fitting result. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the 2. Liga picture. In terms of outgoings, Perri seems closest to an exit, but that will likely have to wait until Trafford's mandated holiday after the World Cup is over or a No 2 arrives.