LASK enters the first Upper Austrian derby of the season as the overwhelming favorites. The reigning champions have made a flawless start, winning both league matches by a combined 5-0, and are unbeaten in competitive matches since March. Dietmar Kühbauer's side boast not only a powerful attack but also a solid defense, as evidenced by their top position in the table. At home in the Raiffeisen Arena, LASK will be looking to avenge last season's 3-1 home defeat to Ried.
Ried, on the other hand, is still finding its groove under new coach Mario Despotovic. The Innviertel side has yet to record a single win in the Bundesliga, opening the season with a draw and a defeat. Despite their underdog status and the optimism of players like Stefan Schwab, the visitors will find it extremely difficult to confront the leaders on their home turf. The derby statistics suggest a draw, but LASK's current form and Ried's finishing problems create a huge gap between the sides.
