Rapid Vienna vs Hearts: Prediction, Team News & Lineups | 26 August 2026

Rapid Vienna vs Hearts prediction: the tie is level after a 2-2 first leg, but Rapid’s stronger start to the season and Hearts’ poor away record give the Austrian side the edge. Our prediction is Rapid Vienna 2-1 Hearts.

Match Details

• Fixture: Rapid Vienna vs Hearts
• Competition: UEFA Conference League
• Stage: Playoff qualifying round, second leg
• Date: Wednesday, 26 August 2026
• Venue: Allianz Stadion
• First-leg score: Hearts 2-2 Rapid Vienna
• Prediction: Rapid Vienna 2-1 Hearts

Match Preview

Rapid Vienna and Hearts meet again with their Conference League playoff perfectly balanced after a 2-2 draw in Scotland.

Johannes Thorup’s side entered the campaign with strong momentum after winning the Austrian Europa League playoffs at the end of last season and then carrying that form through pre-season.

Rapid have won eight and drawn one of their first nine competitive matches of 2026-27, including emphatic aggregate victories over Santa Coloma and Paide Linnameeskond in the previous qualifying rounds.

Their perfect winning start ended in Edinburgh, but recovering from behind to earn a draw means Rapid return to Vienna with confidence and home advantage.

Hearts have experienced a more turbulent start under new manager Wouter Vrancken.

The Jambos lost their first four competitive matches under the Belgian, including Champions League elimination and a heavy 6-1 Europa League defeat to Benfica.

Results have improved since then, with two wins and two draws in their last four matches, including the first-leg draw with Rapid.

Hearts also produced 17 shots compared with Rapid’s nine in that opening encounter, showing they can create problems, but their away record remains a major concern.

Vrancken is still waiting for his first away win as Hearts manager, with three defeats from three on the road and 12 goals conceded.

Rapid Vienna Team Analysis

Rapid’s biggest advantage is their consistency. Thorup’s side have looked settled, productive and difficult to beat from the beginning of the campaign.

Nikolaus Wurmbrand and Nicolas Bajlicz both made an impact from the bench in the first leg and combined for the equaliser, increasing the likelihood of starting roles in Vienna.

Rapid’s midfield should again look to control possession through Seidl and Amane, while Demir and Wurmbrand can provide movement around Kara in attack.

At home, Rapid are likely to play with more territorial ambition than they showed in Scotland.

Hearts Team Analysis

Hearts can take encouragement from the volume of chances they created in the first leg.

Their 17 shots suggest they were able to disrupt Rapid’s defensive structure, and James Wilson’s recent impact from the bench gives Vrancken another attacking option.

Wilson has scored in each of his last two substitute appearances and could be rewarded with a starting role alongside Claudio Braga.

The problem remains defensive stability away from home. Conceding 12 goals across three road defeats is a serious concern against a Rapid side in strong form.

Head-to-Head

The first leg ended 2-2 in Scotland, with both teams showing enough attacking quality to suggest another open contest is possible.

Rapid recovered from behind to earn the draw, while Hearts produced the greater number of shots.

Form and Recent Context

Rapid have won eight and drawn one of nine competitive matches this season.

Hearts are unbeaten in their last four matches after losing their opening four competitive fixtures under Vrancken.

The visitors’ improvement is clear, but Rapid’s stronger overall form and home advantage make them marginal favourites.

Tactical Battle

Rapid are likely to try to control midfield possession and use their attacking midfielders between the lines.

Hearts may again look to create through wide areas and use Wilson’s movement around Braga to stretch the Austrian defence.

The first goal could be decisive. If Rapid score first, Hearts’ away defensive problems may become increasingly difficult to manage. If Hearts strike first, the tie could become much more open.

Team News

Rapid Vienna

Rapid could be without Dominic Vincze, Martin Ndzie, Daniel Nunoo, Claudy M’Buyi and Andrija Radulovic because of injury concerns.

Wurmbrand and Bajlicz are both pushing for starts after combining for the equaliser in the first leg.

Hearts

Hearts remain without Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Craig Halkett, Stephen Kingsley and Ageu because of ongoing injuries.

Wilson could start after scoring in each of his last two substitute appearances, including the first leg against Rapid.

Predicted Lineups

Rapid Vienna possible starting lineup

Rapid Vienna: Hedl; Bolla, Cvetkovic, Raux-Yao, Horn; Seidl, Amane; Demir, Bajlicz, Wurmbrand; Kara.

Hearts possible starting lineup

Hearts: Reus; Altena, McEntee, Findlay, McCart; Renaud, Spittal; Miller, Braga, McPake; Wilson.

Betting Tips

Full-time result: Rapid Vienna to win.

Double chance: Rapid Vienna or draw.

Both teams to score: Yes.

Over/Under: Over 2.5 goals.

Correct score: Rapid Vienna 2-1 Hearts.

No bookmaker odds are attached because none were supplied.

Score Prediction

Rapid Vienna 2-1 Hearts.

Hearts should create chances again, but Rapid’s superior start to the season and the Jambos’ away defensive record make the Austrian side better placed to edge the second leg.

Hot Stat

Rapid Vienna have won eight and drawn one of their first nine competitive matches of the 2026-27 season.

Final Analysis

The first leg showed that Hearts can trouble Rapid, but the return fixture changes the balance of the tie.

Rapid are stronger at home, more settled under Thorup and carry far greater early-season consistency.

Hearts’ improving form should keep them competitive, yet their away record remains difficult to ignore. Rapid are therefore the preferred selection to progress.