Thesis: Looking ahead to the coming weeks, LASK should rotate. Getting anything against Liverpool is unrealistic anyway.
Jonas Pamperl:
As overwhelming as the mighty LFC may seem, LASK should not give the game away.
Firstly, because goal difference could play a role in the final standings, and secondly, because the fans simply deserve the best possible performance in the club's first ever CL home match (!). Naturally, all LASK players will also be eager to play against Liverpool.
However, that doesn't mean Didi Kühbauer shouldn't or couldn't rotate at least a little. The tasks in the upcoming midweek games will be tough, and some key players are already out injured or carrying knocks. The successful coach should not take unnecessary risks.
LASK injury update before the Liverpool match >>>
And who knows - perhaps even a sensation is possible. In their first and so far only European Cup home match against the "Reds", LASK even led for over 40 minutes thanks to a dream goal from Florian Flecker. In the end, there was a 1:3 defeat.
Michael Paral:
LASK has shown that they are anything but an "easy opponent". Liverpool FC is not exactly in top form and has some weaknesses in the team. One could exploit that, couldn't one?
Let's not forget GAK, who achieved the miracle in 2004 and defeated LFC 1-0 at Anfield Road. After 22 years, it would be time again for such a coup.
With their best lineup, I definitely believe Didi Kühbauer and his team can secure a point. Furthermore, only Austria Lustenau awaits on the weekend, so not an absolute top match. It would be wise to field all the quality they have against the "Reds". I think the players also deserve to experience such an evening on the pitch.
Thesis: No clear playing style at Milan: If Salzburg can get a grip on individualists like Pulisic or Rabiot, there's more in it against the "Rossoneri" than one might think.
Michael Paral:
The great AC Milan is long no longer what it once was. It says a lot when your "star player" is a 41-year-old Luka Modrić. The Milanese currently live off their glorious past.
For years, they were the destination for the best players in the world like Seedorf, Kaká, Pirlo, Maldini, and many more. However, they have long ceased to be part of this elite, especially internationally.
With currently fifth place in Serie A, probably no one at the club is happy. However, this position is quite justified by their style of play. The departure of Rafa Leão has not yet been compensated for at all.
Of course, if Pulisic has a good day, it will be incredibly difficult to stop him. However, the Salzburg defense has presented itself as very aggressive on several occasions. If a ball perhaps slips through to Tabaković up front, I see realistic chances for the "Bulls".
Jonas Pamperl:
My colleague is right there - at least in part. Milan is currently not experiencing the best phase in the club's history, but Red Bull Salzburg is also not at its peak, looking at the last few months and years.
Danny Röhl has brought back a consistency and stability not seen for a long time, you have to give him that. What is overlooked with one or two surprising draws is this: The "Bulls" are still unbeaten after their 15th game this season.
Although Salzburg generally convinced in the important matches so far (Sturm, Rapid, EL qualifiers), they have not yet met an opponent of AC Milan's calibre.
So perhaps the home match will be a small test of how much the "Bulls" are truly lacking to reach a higher European level. The answer could turn out to be more positive than one might think beforehand.
Thesis: Despite six absences: Sturm must get points against a struggling Bournemouth, so that at least one of the three Bundesliga representatives registers points this week.
Jonas Pamperl:
I would certainly agree that Sturm has the best chances of getting something tangible in this European Cup week. Nevertheless, the task against Marco Rose's team is anything but easy. Market value comparisons with a Premier League team are pointless anyway. But it's true that Bournemouth is not in particularly good form right now.
However, their points tally (three points after six Premier League rounds) is a bit misleading: Against Manchester City at the start of the season, they were close to a sensational victory, conceding two late goals. Against Liverpool (0:1), it was also quite close.
Overall, the "Cherries'" opening schedule was tough, with City, Liverpool, Everton, and most recently Chelsea. Like Sturm, however, AFC is also struggling with injury problems. Three key players (Scott, Kroupi, and Kluivert) are missing against the Graz side.
Michael Paral:
Indeed, this match worries me greatly. The absences affect Sturm a bit more severely than Bournemouth. Against a completely out-of-form Wiener Austria, the Graz side struggled surprisingly on the weekend. And not because Austria defended so well. Diakité was able to pull their chestnuts out of the fire again, but a Premier League team is a completely different kettle of fish.
Yes, things are not going well for Bournemouth in the league right now. But I think that's exactly what makes them so dangerous. Marco Rose needs to make a statement, and he has the best chances against Sturm to shoot himself out of criticism.
Are the Graz side without a chance? Of course not! Fabio Ingolitsch has things well under control and plenty of quality in the squad, despite injuries. However, I see them as the clear underdogs, especially away from home.
