Prediction St. Pölten vs SK Rapid 2025/2026 – Betting Tips for the Austrian Cup on 29/10/2025

Match preview: Cup drama at NV ARENA

The Austrian Cup Round of 16 brings a compelling domestic clash to St. Pölten's compact NV ARENA on 29 October 2025. The home side arrive with an eye-catching run of form that has captured attention: across their last ten outings St. Pölten have recorded eight victories, one draw and a single defeat. That sequence underlines a team in confident mood, fresh off wins over Austria Lustenau, Austria Klagenfurt and a dominant 4-0 triumph over Sturm Graz II earlier this month. Even with a recent 3-1 reverse to Liefering on 24 October, the broader picture is one of momentum for the hosts.

SK Rapid, visiting from the top flight, arrive in less convincing fashion. Their last five results feature a mix of highs and lows — including defeats to LASK Linz and Salzburg — and a recent away draw and cup win earlier in the autumn. Rapid’s ten-match snapshot reads as five wins, two draws and three losses, a profile that suggests potential but also inconsistency. The only recent head-to-head between the pair, a friendly played in January 2025, ended 1-0 in favour of Rapid, a reminder that on their day the visitors can grind out tight victories.

Form and recent results

St. Pölten’s sequence shows a side capable of stringing together results; their attack has been active across recent fixtures with multiple multi-goal performances. The previous-match spotlight for St. Pölten fell on Furkan Dursun, who earned the best player rating in the clash with Liefering despite the team loss. Rapid’s most recent outing saw Nenad Cvetkovic named best player in a 0-2 defeat to LASK Linz — a sign that individual performances exist even when the team outcome falters.

Tactical edge and match context

Numbers supplied show St. Pölten producing more total shots and chances on average than their visitors: a higher shots tally and greater dangerous attacks average hint at an attacking rhythm that often cascades into goalscoring opportunities. Rapid’s profile points to fewer overall shots and a slightly lower dangerous-attacks average, which could make them vulnerable to sustained home pressure in a one-off cup tie. The intimate NV ARENA — capacity 1,860 — also works in favour of the home side generating an intense, supportive atmosphere that can lift results in knockout football.

Prediction

Despite Rapid’s pedigree and the recent friendly victory between the clubs, the weight of form and attacking activity leans towards St. Pölten producing a strong cup performance on home turf. Expect a competitive game with St. Pölten taking the initiative and edging the tie.

Betting suggestion

Back: St. Pölten to win (1X2 market). Confidence: medium — the home side’s recent winning run and superior attacking metrics make them the best pick in this matchup. Keep stake moderate given Rapid’s ability to grind out tight results in head-to-heads.