Ried vs Salzburg prediction, odds and how to watch

Salzburg put on a ruthless display at home, hammering SK Rapid 5-1 with a blistering first half that killed the contest before it had really started. Haris Tabakovic scored twice inside 21 minutes and the result was never seriously in doubt.

Salzburg put four past Austria Wien in a commanding Austrian Bundesliga performance, with three goals in the first half setting the tone for a result that tells you everything you need to know about where these two clubs currently stand.

Salzburg dominated possession and territory throughout but needed a 90th-minute own goal to separate the sides, revealing both the limits of their finishing and the disciplined low-block Mjällby maintained for the vast majority of the match.

A 45th-minute penalty converted by Ried settled a contest that Grazer AK, for all their possession and attacking intent, simply could not find a way to score in. The result leaves GAK bottom of the Austrian Bundesliga with a goal difference of minus eleven.

Salzburg arrive in Bulgaria on the back of four unbeaten Europa League matches and three clean sheets from four. Levski Sofia have no recorded form in this competition. The gap looks significant.

Salzburg host Sturm Graz on Sunday carrying a significant injury list and an xG figure that suggests they are creating far more than the scoreboard shows. The question is whether a depleted squad can hold its structure long enough to turn that promise into points.

Ried carry one of the division's most productive home records into Sunday's fixture against a Wolfsberger AC side that has proven genuinely difficult to beat. The tactical contrast between these two sides makes this one worth watching closely.

Salzburg travel to Ried on Friday night carrying a significant injury burden but sitting fourth in the Austrian Bundesliga and unbeaten so far. The question is whether Ried's well-documented home strength is enough to trouble a visiting side whose xG numbers suggest they are finishing well below their actual threat level.