Hearts vs Rapid Vienna prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, August 20, 2026
Europa Conference League
In the Europa Conference League qualification final on August 20, 2026, the first leg will take place between Hearts and Rapid Vienna. The home side hopes to find success at least in this tournament.
Hearts vs Rapid Vienna: Team News and Expert Analysis
The Edinburgh club was close to a major upset last season. However, after losing to Celtic in the final round, they handed them the Premiership title. Now, with a new manager and without a couple of leaders from the 2025/2026 squad, they started with a defeat to Aberdeen. But then they defeated both Dundee United in the Premiership and Inverness in the League Cup. The historical giant from Austria’s capital has long played a secondary role. Last season, they finished in fifth place. This time, however, they've won all three Bundesliga matches after a 3-0 victory in the cup.
The Scots began their campaign in the Champions League. However, they lost both matches to another Austrian side, Sturm, and failed to score: 0-4 in Graz and 0-2 at home. After moving to the Europa League, things did not improve much. They were immediately beaten 1-6 by Benfica, but managed to secure a 1-1 draw at home in the return leg.
The current visitors have shown a perfect record in qualification so far. First, they beat Santa Coloma twice: 3-1 in Andorra and 6-2 at home. Matches against Paide were only slightly tougher. They defeated the Estonians 4-1 away and 2-0 at home.
Previous Matches: Hearts vs Rapid Vienna
On Thursday, the clubs will play their first ever head-to-head encounter.
The hosts will be slight favourites here. However, their opponents look very solid—we believe the visitors will manage to avoid defeat on the road (odds – 1.6).
Hearts vs Rapid Vienna: Key Stats and Trends
- Hearts have lost three out of four European matches
- The team has averaged 1.76 goals scored per game, conceding 0.89 in return
- Rapid Vienna have won all four qualification matches
- The club has scored an average of 3.67 goals, conceding just 0.33
Hearts vs Rapid Vienna: Probable Starting Line-ups
Hearts play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable line-up): Rois – McCart, Findlay, McEntee, Altena – Reno, Spittal – McPake, Gendouz, Miller – Braga
Rapid Vienna play in a 1-4-4-2 formation (probable line-up): Hedl – Auer, Scheller, Tsvetkovic, Roca – Schaub, Aidara, Romeo, Wurmbrand – Gullicksen, Tilio
Place your bets on the upcoming match and track your team’s position in the Europa Conference League qualification standings
