Bulls are favorites

What gives Salzburg hope for the next title

A defensive force: Solet (left), Pavlovic.(Bild: Jasmin Walter - FC Red Bull Salz)

Next weekend Salzburg start the championship round against Hartberg. What makes the Bulls hope for their eleventh title in a row and what speaks against it after 22 rounds in the Bundesliga: The "Krone" analyzes the performances of the champions in the basic round and shows where the advantages and weaknesses of coach Gerhard Struber's team lie.

Once again in first place, but not flawlessly, Salzburg entered the championship round. What is positive in the battle for the championship plate, what needs to be improved. An analysis by the "Krone".

That speaks for itself

Better at the back than ever: With the 1:0 win against LASK, Salzburg finished the basic round with only twelve goals conceded, setting another record since the league reform. Strahinja Pavlovic and Oumar Solet form a central defense that is second to none in the league. Behind them is Alexander Schlager, a back-up who hardly ever allows himself to make a mistake.

"Rocket" is fit: Coach Gerhard Struber prays one "Our Father" a day when it comes to Fernando. That seems to help! Because the "samba rocket" is finally fit for a longer period of time and has already shown what he is capable of with five goals in the spring. The Brazilian could be the striker that Salzburg urgently needs.

In great form: Fernando.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Sucic returns: A lot of water still flows down the Salzach before the "magic foot" is back on the pitch. The Croatian's creativity and unpredictability, which otherwise only Oscar Gloukh has in the squad, could be worth its weight in gold at the end.

Away strength: Salzburg have not lost away from home in 26 league games in a row. If the Bulls extend this streak, it will be tight for the competition.

That speaks against it

Chance proliferation: With 45 goals, the Bulls have the best offense in the league. Nevertheless, the leaders need far too many opportunities to put the ball in their opponents' net.

Simic (l.), Konate and Co. need plenty of chances.(Bild: Andreas Tröster, GEPA, Krone Kreativ)

Injury devil: Although the injury list from the fall has thinned out somewhat, the injury devil still strikes the champions remarkably often this year. A risk!

Meanwhile, the Bundesliga announced the schedule for the championship round yesterday. A home game against Hartberg awaits next Sunday to kick off the season, followed by a guest appearance at rivals Sturm Graz on Easter Sunday after the international break. On the final matchday, LASK will visit Salzburg.