Austria and GAK coaches both rely on back-three formation

Austria national team coach Stephan Helm and GAK's new manager Gerald Scheiblehner both employ a back-three formation. This tactical alignment sets the stage for their derby clash in Graz on Saturday.

The three-defender system dominated the Austrian Bundesliga in the spring. While Salzburg was an exception, LASK won the double under Didi Kühbauer using it. Sturm Graz used it often, Rapid mostly did. Other clubs like Ried and WSG Tirol have since switched back to a back four. Helm said of his counterpart that he brings a clear idea and knows the league very well. GAK are unbeaten in nine home games since Scheiblehner took over.

Helm himself has never lost in previous meetings against GAK. He aims to carry the momentum from a win over Austria Lustenau into this match. The coach stated they are well prepared and have to reach their maximum to beat GAK.

For the national team, the match is key preparation. Austria currently sits second in World Cup qualifying. Their last five results read LDLWW. The next competitive fixture is the home qualifier against Israel. Injuries to key players present challenges for Helm, which he can assess in this derby.

Simultaneously, the ninth 'Ländle-Derby' between relegation-threatened Altach, another committed back-three team, and Austria Lustenau will be played. Altach are currently last in the table. The derby is expected to be very close. For Helm and his team, the preparation phase concludes with kick-off in Graz on Saturday evening.

Further reading: Kurier