Prediction Blau-Weiß Linz vs Hartberg 2025/2026 – Betting Tips for the Austrian Cup on 28/10/2025

Round of 16 showdown at Linzer Stadion

The Austrian Cup heads to Linz on 28 October as Blau-Weiß Linz host Hartberg in what promises to be a lively Round of 16 tie. The setting is the Linzer Stadion, a 21,005-capacity ground that can get loud when home crowds sense an upset or a Cup classic brewing. Both sides come into this fixture with contrasting recent narratives but a shared tendency toward entertaining, open games—a recipe that often produces drama in knockout football.

Form, recent results and tactical clues

Blau-Weiß Linz arrive on the back of a roller-coaster run of results. Their most recent outing saw them edge and concede goals in a 3-4 reverse to Sturm Graz, a match that showcased their attacking intent but also highlighted defensive vulnerabilities. Their sequence across the last ten matches reads as a mix of wins, draws and losses, with flashes of clinical finishing—three-goal performances have appeared more than once—tempered by occasional defensive lapses. The club’s cup ambitions at home will lean on that attacking spirit, and the Linz crowd will expect their side to press high and create chances.

Hartberg, meanwhile, are a team that has shown grit and a willingness to trade blows. Their recent run includes a 3-3 draw away to LASK and a string of drawn contests, punctuated by a solid 2-0 success at Ried earlier in the season. Statistically, Hartberg have produced more shots on target in the datasets available, and their previous meeting in the league this season saw them claim a 1-0 victory in Linz—an encouraging memory for the visitors. A 0-0 draw in their last league game suggests they can be both resilient and opportunistic, capable of grinding out results while still contributing to goal-rich encounters.

Match-up outlook

The pairing leans toward an open affair. Blau-Weiß Linz’s recent matches have been high-scoring on both ends, while Hartberg’s fixtures include several multi-goal thrillers. The head-to-head earlier in the season gives Hartberg a psychological edge from winning in Linz, but cup football can swing on moments and momentum—both sides have shown they can score and concede in equal measure. The venue and the knockout stakes increase the likelihood of risk-taking, especially from Blau-Weiß Linz at home.

Betting suggestion (Goal market) Given the pattern of recent high-scoring games for both teams, the balance of attacking intent and defensive fragility shown in the data, the best betting pick here is Over 2.5 goals. Expect end-to-end action, chances at both ends, and a match that is more likely to produce goals than grind into a low-scoring stalemate.