LASK Linz vs Austria Klagenfurt Prediction: The home team is expected to secure the victory by halftime.

Austria Bundesliga action is set to unfold at Raiffeisen Arena in the round of 18, featuring a matchup between LASK Linz and Austria Klagenfurt. Leading up to this game, the hosts faced a setback in their recent competitive encounter, while the visitors are coming off a defeat in a friendly match against Zrinjski.

In their recent matches, LASK Linz secured victories against Hansa Rostock and Podbrezová. However, the hosts faced defeats in matches against FCSB, Podbrezová, and Red Bull Salzburg. Throughout these games, LASK Linz scored a total of 10 goals but conceded 9. Their goal-scoring average for the current league season stands at 1.41 goals per match. In terms of discipline, the home team received 41 yellow cards and 0 red cards, committing an average of 13.29 fouls per match. LASK Linz maintains an average team rating of 6.95 per match. Currently occupying the 3rd position in the league standings, LASK Linz has accumulated 32 points from 17 matches, with 24 goals scored and 14 conceded in the campaign.

Austria Klagenfurt comes into this match with three wins in their last five games, defeating Domžale, ASK Klagenfurt, and Sturm Graz II. While managing to avoid losses against Austria Wien and Bravo, the visitors settled for draws in those matchups. Throughout this period, Austria Klagenfurt scored six goals and conceded 8. In their away games, they averaged 1.35 goals scored and 1.35 goals conceded per match. The team received 33 yellow cards and 0 red cards, accumulating a total of 209 fouls. Austria Klagenfurt maintains an average team rating of 6.82 per match. Currently positioned in 5th place in the league standings, they have accrued 26 points from 17 matches.

LASK Linz Possible Lineup:

Lawal, Andrade, Ziereis, Talovierov, Hovath, Berisha, Bello, Stojkovic, Zulj, Usor, Ljubicic

Austria Klagenfurt Possible Lineup:

Menzel, Mahrer, Wimmer, Djoric, Benatelli, Gemicibasi, Wernitznig, Starudi, Schumacher, Karweina, Arweiler

The home team, coming off a disappointing result against Red Bull Salzburg, approaches this match with a determined mindset. They cannot afford a loss, as a victory would narrow the gap with Red Bull Salzburg and Sturm Graz at the top of the standings, provided the latter draw. On the other hand, Klagenfurt faces a challenging task on the road with the odds stacked against them. All things considered, the home team is anticipated to lead at halftime. While the match is expected to be competitive, I remain skeptical about Austria Klagenfurt finding the back of the net, predicting a 2-0 victory for LASK Linz.