Vienna Return from the International Break
After more than a month, the ADMIRAL 2. Liga is back at Hohe Warte. In the top match of the round, Vienna will host SKN St. Pölten. The game will take place on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 8:30 p.m. Tickets for the match are already available in our online shop at www.1894.at/tickets.
Vienna Looking to Continue Strong Form
It has been more than a month since our first team last played at Hohe Warte. In their most recent home game, the Döbling side defeated SKU Amstetten 1–0.
Vienna also won their next three competitive matches. In the UNIQA ÖFB Cup, the Blue and Yellows defeated Austria Salzburg 4–0, followed by league victories over Rapid II (2–0) and Hertha Wels (3–1). With 16 points, head coach Patrick Enengl's team sits second in the table and is currently the closest challenger to league leaders and title favorites Blau-Weiß Linz.
For head coach Enengl, this run is the result of his team's development: “In these games, we put many of the things that define us onto the pitch. When we manage to do that consistently, the results follow. That is exactly what we want to be known for throughout the entire season.”
After five days off at the beginning of the international break, the team used the time to continue working on its game. Two friendly matches against strong opposition were also on the schedule.
“We made very good use of the break and played two excellent friendlies against Hoffenheim and LASK. At the same time, we continued to fine-tune our game and worked in great detail on individual phases of play. There wasn't just one particular focus; we wanted to continue developing in several different areas,” Enengl explains.
St. Pölten Finding Their Rhythm
After a difficult start to the season, SKN St. Pölten have recently found their rhythm. The Lower Austrian side have won their last three league matches and currently sit tenth in the table. In the most recent round, the “Wolves” defeated Schwarz-Weiß Bregenz 2–1 thanks to a goal in stoppage time.
Head coach Enengl warns against judging the opponents based on their results at the start of the season: “St. Pölten have really found their rhythm with three consecutive league wins. But anyone who looks more closely will also know that their early results were somewhat misleading. They were already on an equal footing with their opponents in the opening rounds, especially against Blau-Weiß Linz. In addition, they brought in several players towards the end of the transfer window who are increasingly finding their rhythm and further strengthening the quality of the squad.”
For Vienna, a focused performance in both phases of the game will therefore be crucial. “We need to bring our foundation onto the pitch and work very well without the ball because St. Pölten have a lot of quality in possession. At the same time, we want to be brave when we have the ball and find different solutions. If we manage that, we will pose plenty of problems for St. Pölten,” the head coach says.
Looking Forward to Returning to Hohe Warte
After the long break from home games, there is plenty of excitement about seeing the fans again. Vienna are looking to extend their unbeaten home record.
“It really feels like a long time since our last home game. We are all incredibly excited that we can finally return to Hohe Warte on Friday. We are unbeaten at home and want to stay that way. Together with our fans, who always give us tremendous support, we want to put in a strong performance and reward ourselves for it,” Enengl emphasizes.
Team News Ahead of the Home Game
Which players will be available on Friday will become clearer during the remainder of the preparations. Moritz Jerabek and Max Mergner will definitely remain sidelined as they continue their rehabilitation training. The availability of potential returning players is also still uncertain.
“Our physios are currently giving everything for every player who is unavailable. We will see what is possible by Friday and who might be an option again. A huge compliment to our physiotherapy team, which is working incredibly hard at the moment,” Enengl explains.
First Vienna FC 1894 vs. SKN St. Pölten
ADMIRAL 2. Liga, Matchday 8
Friday, October 9, 2026, 8:30 p.m.
Naturarena Hohe Warte (TICKETS: www.1894.at/tickets)
