Starting position
Salzburg face Linz for the fourth time this season, and that means attractive ice hockey with goals and a healthy dose of toughness. For Salzburg's Head Coach Oliver David, the Upper Austrians are the most physically difficult team to play against in the league, which has also been reflected in the past three encounters.
In the fourth match-up - the Salzburg-Upper Austria derby also has its special appeal with the strong fan presence of both camps - both opponents will once again leave everything on the ice in order to position themselves further with a view to the playoffs that will soon begin. After a 5-game losing streak, the Linzers have recently managed to regain some momentum with victories against the Vienna Capitals and yesterday against VSV. The Red Bulls have also been victorious in the last two rounds at home against Székesfehérvár and yesterday in Ljubljana, making it four wins from the last five games.
Direct duel for fourth place in the table
Sunday's match between Salzburg and Linz is also the game between the two neighbors for fourth place in the table. The Red Bulls are in fourth place with 65 points (albeit with three games less). Behind them lurk the Black Wings Linz with one point less and could challenge the Red Bulls for fourth place with a win in regular time.