Both Austrian representatives have room for improvement after two rounds. Sturm have collected just one point, while Salzburg sit on three. Their recent domestic performances, however, offer reasons for optimism.
Sturm look to build on derby momentum against European heavyweights
A 6-1 victory in the Graz derby is about as good a preparation for a European night as Sturm could have hoped for. Fabio Ingolitsch’s side recovered from an early deficit against GAK, with Oumar Diakité scoring a hat-trick and Simon Seidl providing three assists. Their previous 2-0 victory away to Austria Vienna had already demonstrated that the team remain competitive despite a lengthy injury list. In the Europa League, however, Sturm are still searching for their first win: a goalless draw against Rennes was followed by a 3-0 defeat at AFC Bournemouth.
The scoreline in England was harsher than the performance suggested. Sturm defended compactly for long periods and came close to equalising through Jürgen Heil and Jacob Peter Hödl before running out of steam. Against Marseille, Ingolitsch is again likely to demand a tightly organised defensive structure and aggressive challenges. Unlike at Bournemouth, however, Sturm will also need to press boldly at times in front of their own supporters to prevent the visitors from establishing themselves permanently in the attacking third.
“Marseille are another side we have to consider stronger than ourselves, but they’ll still have to beat us in this stadium,” Ingolitsch declared. The coach wants his players to carry their derby momentum into the European encounter and is explicitly targeting victory.
Injury problems and a new goalkeeper
Personnel shortages remain Sturm’s biggest concern. First-choice goalkeeper Daniil Khudyakov suffered a broken lower leg in the derby, with Ammar Helac expected to replace him. Otar Kiteishvili, Gizo Mamageishvili, Seedy Jatta, Nelson Weiper, Leon Grgić, Emran Soglo and Filip Rózga were already sidelined. Kiteishvili’s creativity and Jatta’s ability to threaten in behind are particularly difficult to replace.
That makes Seidl’s excellent form as a creator — he already has eight league assists — and Diakité’s current finishing prowess all the more important. The striker’s direct runs could stretch Marseille’s defence and provide valuable relief for his teammates.
Marseille desperate to get their European campaign going
Olympique have surprisingly failed to collect a point in the Europa League so far. A 4-1 defeat at Beşiktaş was followed by a 1-0 home loss to Olympiacos. Domestically, however, Bruno Genesio’s side are moving in the right direction, having recently won 2-0 away to Troyes and 5-2 at Angers.
Igor Paixão is particularly dangerous on the left with his pace and direct dribbling. Amine Gouiri offers movement and finishing quality through the middle, while Timothy Weah can create problems on the right. Sturm will therefore need to protect the wide areas carefully, especially after losing possession.
Marseille will be without defender Derek Cornelius and the ill Alexi Koum. Midfield organiser Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, meanwhile, returns to the squad after a muscle injury, although it remains uncertain whether he is ready to start.
Genesio acknowledged before the match that Marseille desperately need points after their two defeats, but stopped short of presenting his team as overwhelming favourites.
The head-to-head record offers Sturm a positive omen. In 1999, the Austrians beat Marseille 3-2 at home in the Champions League after losing the away fixture 2-0. Sturm have also won six and drawn two of their last ten European home games.
Salzburg under pressure to respond against struggling champions
Expectations make Salzburg’s situation arguably even more demanding. After opening with a 1-0 victory away to Levski Sofia, Danny Röhl’s side suffered a 4-0 thrashing against Milan, with repeated defensive lapses contributing to the heavy defeat.
In the Austrian Bundesliga, however, Salzburg remain unbeaten and responded with a convincing 3-0 victory over Altach on Sunday. Haris Tabaković, Jesper Lindstrøm and Damir Redžić scored the goals, with Lindstrøm particularly impressive as the team’s creative driving force.
Their opponents Celje, meanwhile, are going through a difficult spell. The Slovenian champions sit just sixth in their domestic league and have struggled to rediscover their former stability under Zoran Zeljković, who took charge in September.
Their Europa League campaign has been equally disappointing, beginning with a 2-0 defeat at Bayer Leverkusen before a 3-0 loss to Omonia Nicosia. They did at least manage a goalless draw away to league leaders Maribor last weekend.
Celje possess attacking quality despite their struggles
The Slovenian side should not be underestimated. Svit Sešlar is a dangerous presence between the lines, experienced winger Benjamin Verbič provides pace and attacking thrust, while Blaž Kramer offers a focal point up front. Captain Mario Kvesić brings structure to midfield.
Zeljković, however, is well aware of his team’s weaknesses. Discussing Salzburg’s pace, he suggested that whereas Omonia had one particularly quick player who caused Celje problems, Salzburg have ten players capable of doing the same.
Salzburg should look to regain possession high up the pitch and unsettle Celje’s defence with their speed. At the same time, Röhl cannot afford to neglect defensive cover: against Milan, losing individual duels out wide repeatedly left dangerous gaps.
With Tabaković as a central target and Lindstrøm supplying incisive passes, Salzburg have clear attacking options. Karim Konaté’s availability remains uncertain following illness, while Enrique Aguilar, Justin Omoregie and Nikolas Veratschnig are definitely ruled out. Celje must do without the injured Jošt Pišek, although right-back Pijus Širvys could return.
This will be Salzburg’s first European encounter with a Slovenian club. Victory would represent an important step towards finishing at least in the top 24 of the Europa League league phase. Röhl has made his intentions clear: his team want to “deliver a strong performance and take all three points”.
Sturm are in equally urgent need of a positive result against Marseille — albeit in considerably more difficult circumstances.
