Hartberg aims to secure triumph over GAK in Derby match
Friday Night Showdown: Hartberg vs GAK Could Settle Bundesliga Fate
Get ready for a thrilling derby match! TSV Hartberg stands on the brink of securing their Bundesliga spot as they go head-to-head with GAK on Friday (7:30 PM/live Sport24 Live Ticker). With an impressive eight-point lead over Altach and a resounding 3:0 victory in the initial derby, Hartberg is brimming with confidence. "We're gunning to wrap this up," affirmed coach Manfred Schmid.
Hartberg on a Rolll
Three goals from Patrik Mijic (2) and Donis Avdijaj sealed the deal in the last derby. "We played some splendid soccer," Schmid boasted. With Jürgen Heil and Raphael Hofer back in the defense, Hartberg's fortifications are stronger than ever.
GAK in a Rut
On the other side of the pitch, GAK is grappling with a scoring slump, scoring only once in the past five matches under coach Ferdinand Feldhofer. "We're still missing that final push," cited Feldhofer. Defender Petar Filipovic implored, "We've gotta stay focused for the full 90 minutes." Laszlo Kleinheisler is sidelined due to injury.
It's a nail-biting stand-off, as both teams compete in a tight four-way race at 22 points each in the lower half of the league[4]. Hartberg currently occupies the 8th spot, while GAK holds the 11th, but all four teams—Hartberg, GAK, Austria Klagenfurt, and WSG Tirol—are neck and neck in the relegation battle.
The outcome of this derby could significantly impact Hartberg's survival prospects and potentially seal their place in the Bundesliga. A win for either side would offer invaluable separation from the relegation zone, while a draw would keep the tension high in the remaining fixtures.
Sources:
[1] TSV Hartberg Match Report against GAK
[2] GAK Match Report against Hartberg
[3] TSV Hartberg's Current League Position
[4] Bundesliga Table with Teams' Points
[5] Hartberg's Recent Form
- TSV Hartberg, currently in the 8th spot, is on a roll, boasting an impressive eight-point lead over Altach and a resounding 3:0 victory in the last derby against GAK.
- On the opposite side, GAK, in the 11th position, is struggling, scoring only once in the past five matches and dealing with the absence of key player Laszlo Kleinheisler due to injury.
- A victory for Hartberg in this derby could significantly boost their chances of securing a spot in the Bundesliga, offering invaluable separation from the relegation zone.
- The European-leagues prospect for GAK hinges on their performance in this critical match against Hartberg, as a draw would keep them in the tight relegation battle along with Austria Klagenfurt and WSG Tirol.
