FCD coach Eric Orie:

“We’re going to Stripfing to score full points”

Dornbirn are eager for the clash with Stripfing.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

FC Dornbirn want to close the gap in Stripfing that separates them from the non-relegation places in League Two - with a fifth win in a row, the relegation race would be completely open again. Coach Eric Orie will have to do without striker Renan for the "small final".

Dornbirn coach Eric Orie described today's clash between his team and SV Stripfing as a "small final that we have worked for" in the run-up to the game. After picking up maximum points in the last four rounds, the Reds are now just four points off the first non-relegation spot - currently occupied by Stripfing.

A win would almost close the gap, which was a chasm not so long ago. "We're going there to score full points," Orie makes clear, "we've gained a lot of confidence in the last few games. Our automatisms are working. Everyone knows what they have to do. Why shouldn't we also be able to win in Stripfing?"

Nevertheless, the sporting director knows that even a different result won't change everything completely. "We will play until the end of the season. Even if we don't win today, we still have a good chance. We've already got this relaxed attitude so that we don't fall into depression again straight away."

Captain Willy Rodrigues is ready to return after a toe injury.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Captain returns
There will be a few changes to the squad compared to the last home win against Vienna. Striker Anteo Fetahu, who scored the last golden goal, will be missing after picking up his fifth yellow card. Winger Mateusinho due to his red card. In addition, striker Renan's hip flexor was tweaked and the Brazilian also missed the away trip.

However, there is also positive news for Orie. Goalkeeper Jakob Odehnal is able to play despite suffering a broken nose, even without a mask. "Fortunately, it looked worse at first. Jakob has been training fully since Wednesday," explained Orie. The Red Shorts can also rely on their captain and defensive boss again. William Rodrigues has recovered from his toe injury and will probably be back in the starting eleven. "Willy is determined, and we urgently need that kind of mentality on the pitch," his coach explained.

Stripfing coach Maximilian Uhlig stepped down a few days ago and the assistant coaches took over.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Unease at the opponent
Today's opponents only picked up three points in the spring, and the Lower Austrians lost six times. Like Dornbirn, their license application for the new season was rejected in the first instance. "They're not as strong as they were before the winter break," says Orie, "we had no chance at all against them in the first leg. I think that's completely different now."