Football Season Guide

Having won the title in the division below last season, Western Austria outfit Austria Lustenau return to the Bundesliga, much to the dismay of local rivals SCR Altach. They do not have the budget for this level, really. That's why they've had to take gambles on numerous different players from all walks of life. Gelling this group is going to be really tough due to the sheer volume of changes pre-season. They've had to wave farewell to two of their main goal-scorers last season, namely Wade, Lahne, and Bouchenna. They've had to scramble around for alternatives. Benjamin joins on loan (who did not convince whilst on loan at rivals SCR Altach last season) so it's a gamble. The same goes for their latest attacking recruit, Antonio Verinac. They've added experience to their defence in Danilo - that was an impressive coup. They've had to take gambles on work-shy Kacuri in midfield, as well as underwhelming Afrifa. Too many gambles, really. The good signings - other than Danilo - are wonderkid Weixelbraun from Rapid, who is expected to have his breakout season, and Chukwu from Hoffenheim, who already knows this division. They've got some experienced heads like Maak, Gmeiner, Ibertsberger, and Grabher to help them at this level, but they're generally players that have failed to impress at this level despite various opportunities. They may not have joined the most intimidating of Bundesligas but it still looks a bridge too far for this group. They're going to either need a lot of luck or a couple of revelations in order to avoid immediate relegation.