Austria Wien travels to Beitar Jerusalem for Conference League tie as Dragovic returns from concussion

The Group-stage fixture carries weight for both clubs. Beitar Jerusalem, one of Israel's most storied sides, will be looking to assert themselves on home soil, while Austria Wien — competing under their formal name FC BEI FK Austria Wien — are aiming to re-establish themselves as a competitive force in European competition after several seasons without sustained continental football.

Helm's message: experience matters

Dragovic's return is one of the main talking points for the Austrian travelling party. The experienced centre-back sustained a concussion in the cup match against Sport-Club and has since followed the club's return-to-play protocols. According to the original German-language report: "Wieder im Kader dabei sein wird Abwehrchef Aleksandar Dragovic, der sich im Cup gegen den Sport-Club eine Gehirnerschütterung zugezogen hat." His presence gives Helm a more settled back line for a difficult away assignment.

For Beitar, the match represents a chance to gauge where they stand against a club with extensive European pedigree. Israeli sides have historically used Conference League nights as a springboard for domestic form, and a result against Austria would offer both sporting validation and a boost in confidence before the league campaign intensifies.

Dragovic returns after concussion

Helm is expected to rotate selectively, balancing minutes for key players with the need to integrate squad members who have impressed in pre-season. The Austrian club have a deep pool of central defenders, and Dragovic's return reduces the pressure on younger options to shoulder responsibility in a high-stakes European environment.

The tactical battle is likely to centre on midfield control. Beitar's home crowd in Jerusalem is known for generating an intense atmosphere, and Austria will need to weather early pressure before imposing their passing game. Helm has spoken in past briefings about the importance of composure in hostile environments, a theme that is likely to shape his approach on Thursday.

What the tie means for both clubs

Beyond the result, both clubs are using the fixture as a measuring stick. Austria Wien want to demonstrate that their recruitment and youth pipeline are aligned with European demands, while Beitar are eager to prove that Israeli football continues to produce competitive teams capable of troubling established names from larger leagues.

The Conference League itself has grown in stature since its introduction, offering clubs outside the Champions League and Europa League a credible route to European minutes and revenue. For clubs of Austria Wien and Beitar Jerusalem's profile, the competition represents both a financial lifeline and a platform to test themselves against unfamiliar opposition, with each match carrying implications for UEFA coefficient rankings and squad confidence going into the domestic season.