Rapid Wien host SV Ried on Monday in the decisive Austrian Bundesliga playoff second leg for a place in the UEFA Conference League.

Rapid trail 2-1 from the first leg and must overturn the deficit at Allianz Stadion.

Rapid struggling for consistency

Johannes Thorup’s side are going through a difficult spell, losing five of their last six matches across all competitions.

Rapid suffered defeats against LASK, Austria Wien, Sturm Graz and Hartberg before losing the first leg against Ried despite creating more dangerous chances.

Seidl returns for the hosts

Captain Matthias Seidl is available again and his return could be crucial for Rapid’s midfield balance. The playmaker has contributed six goals and eight assists this season.

Rapid also possess a dominant home record in this fixture, winning 16 of their last 17 home matches against Ried.

Ried close to historic European qualification

SV Ried are one step away from returning to European competition for the first time in 14 years.

The visitors defeated Wolfsberg and Rapid by identical 2-1 scorelines in the playoffs, showing resilience under pressure.

Kingston Mutandwa remains their biggest attacking threat after scoring 16 goals this season, including two in the playoffs.

However, Ried’s away form remains a concern, with no away wins since the winter break.

Rapid Wien vs Ried key stats

Rapid Wien

• Lost 5 of their last 6 matches
• Won 16 of their last 17 home games against Ried
• Created more chances in the first leg defeat

Ried

• Won the last 3 H2H meetings
• Secured back-to-back 2-1 playoff victories
• No away wins since the winter break

Prediction

Rapid are expected to start aggressively in front of their home crowd and Seidl’s return should improve their midfield structure.

Ried have shown strong character in recent weeks, but their poor away form could become decisive in Vienna.

Main prediction

Rapid Wien to win