Dundee United vs Rapid Vienna

Dundee United’s Current Predicament

The Scottish club approaches this decisive second leg in a rather dire state. Head coach Jim Goodwin has openly stated that the list of absent players is simply too extensive. The team is grappling with immense squad issues, as key players, including Isaac Pappoe, Ryan Strain, and Kristiyan Trapanovski, are sidelined and expected to miss several months of action.

Recent Performance Woes

The latest Scottish Premiership encounter against Hearts unequivocally highlighted all of Dundee’s underlying problems. They succumbed to a 2-3 home defeat, conceding the crucial goal in the 94th minute. The statistics from that match are quite revealing: a mere 27% possession and disheartening expected goals (xG) figures – 0.69 compared to their opponent’s 1.84. Goodwin himself admitted that all three goals conceded were entirely avoidable, with two stemming from set-pieces where the defense simply failed to mark their players effectively.

First Leg Fortuity

The first leg in Vienna, which concluded in a 2-2 draw, should not be misinterpreted. The Scottish side was undeniably fortunate to secure a draw. Rapid Vienna exerted complete dominance, unleashing 21 shots on goal compared to Dundee’s 7, and generated scoring opportunities amounting to 2.49 xG, whereas the Scottish team’s corresponding figure was a mere 0.84. The Austrians displayed overwhelming superiority throughout the game. Dundee can hardly rely on such a stroke of luck repeating itself.

Rapid Vienna’s Stellar Form

In stark contrast to their opponents, the Austrian team is currently in outstanding form. Peter Stöger’s squad remains undefeated in six official matches this season, having secured five victories. Their most recent performance in the Austrian Bundesliga was particularly impressive, as Rapid defeated the reigning national champions Sturm Graz 2-1 away from home.

Dominant Display and Attacking Threat

In the first leg against Dundee United, Rapid showcased their formidable attacking potential. They demonstrated complete dominance, recorded 21 shots, and created 5 clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities. Only a lack of clinical finishing prevented them from settling the tie conclusively in the initial encounter. The Viennese attacking line looks exceptionally strong, with Norwegian forward Petter Dahl currently on a remarkable scoring streak, netting goals in four consecutive matches.

Manageable Absences

While Rapid also has a few players sidelined due to injuries, their losses do not appear nearly as critical when juxtaposed against the extensive personnel crisis currently plaguing Dundee.