Claim 1: Kalajdzic, the difference-maker: With the Austrian national team striker, LASK is another class stronger and has nothing to fear from anyone. Advancement to the Round of 32 is definitely achievable.
Jonas Pamperl:
The hype in Linz is huge - and rightly so. The comeback against Celtic was simply phenomenal. Also, the fact that Sasa Kalajdzic is back is great for the club and the entire league.
However, one should neither overestimate LASK's start to the season nor Kalajdzic's qualities. Yes, he makes the team better. But essentially, not much has changed compared to last season. And back then, not even in mid-May, would anyone have thought that the knockout phase in the Champions League would be achievable for LASK.
It's certainly possible, but just not realistic. For a small classification, the market values of the Champions League teams are always a good indicator: Here, LASK ranks 33rd, only ahead of Sabah, Slovan Bratislava, and Viking.
The good thing is: With Slovan (H), Bodø (A), and AEK Athens (A), they at least face three opponents who are roughly in their own league. Of course, I don't want to rule out the next sensation, especially since LASK is capable of anything under Kühbauer. However, the Linzers would be well advised to aim to perform better than Sturm (six points with a –9 goal difference, 30th place) did two years ago.
Johannes Hofer:
I wouldn't base the current LASK team's potential solely on their market value. It's a nice benchmark, of course. But it was precisely the opponents from Bodø who impressively showed last season that these figures only partially reflect sporting quality. Although the Linzers don't have an artificial turf advantage compared to the Norwegians, their team cohesion is still impressive.
However, Sasa Kalajdzic's permanent return can definitely provide additional momentum to the black-and-white's ascent.
For me, the biggest question is how quickly the national team striker will be fit for the starting eleven. The 29-year-old was gradually introduced last season. Didi Kühbauer will risk nothing this season either.
Should the Austrian double-winners survive the league phase, it would be a sensation. But after the impressive return leg against Celtic, the Linzers' imagination should know no bounds.
Claim 2: It is more than overdue for Salzburg to advance a few rounds internationally. One can also demand that from this current team.
Johannes Hofer: After lean sporting years, Salzburg appears stable again for the first time since Matthias Jaissle's departure.
But their former dominance is long gone. Above all, their international confidence has completely vanished in recent seasons. You don't establish something like that overnight. Whether Danny Röhl can achieve this already in his debut season remains to be seen.
It would certainly be refreshing if the Bulls could build on past successes. A look at their opponents reveals: attractive, but not impossible. The opener against Levski Sofia should, however, be successful for their knockout phase aspirations. Otherwise, I only see Milan, Leverkusen, and finally Palace significantly above Salzburg's level.
I certainly believe they can survive the league phase. However, advancing a few rounds, as demanded above, I consider somewhat presumptuous.
Jonas Pamperl:
It would certainly be desirable for them - purely from an Austrian perspective. Do I think the Bulls are capable of a deep run? Phew, I don't know.
Their performances so far are encouraging. Salzburg has been stable so far. However, the truth is also that the challenges so far haven't been the greatest.
I particularly see the defensive unit as a potential problem area. The clear holding midfielder (number six) is simply missing. And although the center-backs have been convincing so far, given the young age structure in this position, one simply has to factor in a certain inconsistency.
I consider it possible for them to survive the league phase. Otherwise, Röhl's team will certainly provide for one or two spectacular matches. But I don't see much more than that.
Claim 3: Regardless of the other matches: The most important thing is that Sturm saves face in the clash against Hoffenheim.
Jonas Pamperl:
I think and hope that this whole thing is water under the bridge. Yes, for a few weeks, Sturm didn't really present a good image after their sporting management level was practically completely gutted by TSG after one and a half successful years. But I believe there's no bad blood between the clubs anymore.
However, it is naturally important that Sturm saves face in Sinsheim. But it would be just as important not to be overwhelmed in the opener against Stade Rennes. Or in Bournemouth, against Marseille, and away at AZ Alkmaar.
The "Blackies'" draw is definitely a tough one. Sturm is punching above its weight in the Europa League, that's clear.
Johannes Hofer:
The story is good, of course. But one shouldn't overemphasize the reunion with the successful duo Schicker/Ilzer either. Nobody in Graz is truly resentful towards the two either. Because without architect Andreas Schicker & construction manager Christian Ilzer, Sturm would undoubtedly not be where it is today.
The draw is tricky, the names are attractive, challenging, but not top-tier.
Ultimately, the big reunion should only be one of eight matches. First, hold their own against Rennes, and then eventually beat Hoffenheim at the end of November. If only it were that simple...
