Austrian title race resumes

By Raimund Fabi

The Austrian Bundesliga resumes tomorrow following a two-month winter break, and all eyes will be on the top four as the title race promises to go down to the wire.

Close call
The leading trio of SK Rapid Wien, FK Austria Wien and SV Pasching are currently separated by just two points, and although Grazer AK are a further seven points adrift, last season's champions cannot be discounted either.

Rapid start
Rapid top the table after an excellent start to the season built upon impeccable home form. Josef Hickersberger's men are yet to lose at the Gerhard Hanappi stadium, although with a relatively small squad, a series of injuries could severely test their young side. The loss of new signing Jozef Valachovic with a broken leg is a major blow.

Bolstered by Polster
Austria remain the favourites, however. A point behind their local rivals, the UEFA Cup contenders are bankrolled by billionaire Frank Stronach who invested more money to strengthen the team during the break. Under the auspices of new general manager, Austrian legend Toni Polster, Austria have welcomed Polish international playmaker Sebastian Mila and Czech defender Adam Petrouš to the Franz Horr stadium.

Mayrleb goals
The season's surprise package, Pasching, remain on course at least to repeat last year's third-place finish. Much of their continued success will rest on the shoulders of striker Christian Mayrleb, the league's top scorer with 15 goals.

Pivotal GAK game
They could face opposition from 2004 double winners, GAK, who will be desperate to improve on their current fourth position. Coach Walter Schachner has added Latvian international Imants Bleidelis, Gambian Pa Saikou Kujabi and Thomas Lechner to his squad and will soon learn if the trio will improve his side's title credentials. The first game back - at Austria on Sunday - could prove pivotal.

Bregenz turbulence
There are also four candidates for relegation with VfB Admira Wacker Mödling, SV Austria Salzburg and SK Sturm Graz all within four points of SW Bregenz at the foot of the table. The bottom club have endured a turbulent period - in addition to a court case off the field, on it, coach Regi van Acker has departed and his assistant Roland Kornexl will now try to lead the team to safety.