Is a cup thriller in the making?

No one has forgotten the glorious years, including national championships, in the history of this traditional Tyrolean club. These memories are coming back to life in the Innsbruck vs. Rapid Vienna prediction – after all, the Tivoli is sold out for the first time in 15 years.

You can expect a fantastic cup atmosphere, including in our Innsbruck vs. Rapid Vienna prediction. The first-round match is a classic rivalry, which is a bonus game from the perspective of the third-division newcomers. According to the Innsbruck vs. Rapid Vienna betting odds, it is difficult to imagine a victory for the hosts.

Wacker Innsbruck – Statistics & current form

The traditional Tyrolean club has had some turbulent years, including forced relegation to the fifth division. However, the home side has recovered quickly from this crisis. Financial difficulties are no longer an issue since the arrival of investor-led US club Los Angeles FC.

The focus is back on the pitch, where FCW made an outstanding impression last season. FC Wacker was promoted from the Tyrolean league to the Regionalliga West without losing a single game. However, one step remains to be taken to return to professional football – and that should be achieved next season.

Despite its illustrious past, the ten-time Austrian champion is considered a huge underdog in the Innsbruck – Rapid Vienna odds. That’s precisely why we can expect a unique atmosphere in the sold-out Tivoli stadium. After all, dreaming isn’t forbidden.

Innsbruck surprises in preseason

Sebastian Stiller, a man with a Rapid past, takes his place on the bench. The 36-year-old once played several games for the Hütteldorf second team. His tenure with the third division promoted team has been more successful than his playing career.

In 37 matches, FCW averaged 2.41 points under Stiller. The team secured promotion to the Regionalliga West without a single defeat. In addition, the 2-1 victory against Czech first division side FK Jablonec in preparation for the clash with the Austrian record champions was a small exclamation mark.

This is a great result, but it has not influenced the bookmakers’ odds for Innsbruck vs. Rapid Vienna in the slightest, not even those offered by tax-free betting providers. The experts consider the visitors to be clear favorites. Furthermore, the 0-2 defeat against FC Heidenheim brought some normality back to the results from the preseason.

SK Rapid – Statistics & current form

Changes characterized the past summer in Hütteldorf. Not only is the squad undergoing a transformation, but the coaching position has also been filled. Peter Stöger is tasked with restoring the 32-time Austrian champions to their former glory.

The 59-year-old ended his first competitive game as Rapid coach with a victory. On Thursday, a solid performance in the away game against FK Decic was enough for the Green-Whites to secure a 2-0 win. There is still some work to be done on the offensive game, but the defense left a stable impression.

Rapid played against the Montenegrin cup winners in a classic 4-4-2 formation. Opponents’ attempts on goal were skillfully prevented (0.57 xGA). Up front, however, they showed their strength – set pieces. Both the opening goal (corner) and the second goal (penalty) were scored from set pieces.

Rapid Vienna needs a serious performance

As a player, Stöger has been active for both teams – he is likely to be aware of the significance of this matchup, but also to assess the situation realistically. No matter how big the upheaval in the Rapid team has been over the summer, the visitors are clear favorites in the Innsbruck – Rapid Vienna prediction.

SK Rapid has recently found its way into the later rounds of the ÖFB Cup more often. Last season, they were knocked out in the round of 16, but in the two previous cup seasons, they reached the final, losing to Sturm Graz on both occasions.

We don’t expect a real offensive fireworks display in the first competitive game, but rather a serious and composed performance from the visitors. If you want to loosen up our recommendation and refrain from picking a winner, you can just as easily aim for odds of 2.50 for “Both teams to score: No” with this Winamax bonus.

Wacker Innsbruck – SK Rapid Head-to-head record / H2H record

Innsbruck last beat Rapid 13 years ago. The traditional Tyrolean club has lost its last five games in a row against the Hütteldorfers and has failed to score in three consecutive matches.

FC Wacker Innsbruck – Rapid Vienna Tip

The first round of the ÖFB Cup consists of 32 matches. However, hardly any other pairing has as much tradition as this one. In the past, however, the two clubs have been on completely different paths, which is why Rapid are considered the big favorites.

Perhaps the home side can keep a clean sheet for a certain period of time thanks to passionate defending – we don’t expect many chances on goal from FC Wacker. Instead, we predict a clean sheet victory for Rapid Vienna.