Sturm Graz and Club Brugge both come into this Champions League fixture with points to prove after disappointing starts in their group stages.
Austrian champions Sturm Graz face Belgian champions Club Brugge at the Merkur Arena on Wednesday, aiming to bounce back from their respective defeats in the opening round of fixtures.
Sturm Graz Recent Form
Sturm Graz began their European campaign with a 2-1 loss to Brest. Although they are performing well domestically, sitting atop the Austrian Bundesliga, their form in Europe has been less impressive, having lost their last four Champions League matches at home.
In all competitions, they have just one win from their previous four games, a concerning trend as they prepare for Club Brugge.
Injury and team news
Sturm Graz will be without defender Dimitri Lavalee following his red card against Brest. Alexandar Borkovic has recently returned to training after a long injury but is unlikely to start.
Key defender Gregory Wüthrich is out for the foreseeable future with ligament damage, forcing coach Christian Ilzer to reshuffle his backline.
Last Sturm Graz Lineup
Here is how Sturm Graz lined up for their last match:
Club Brugge Recent Form
Club Brugge come into this match after a 3-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League opener.
Domestically, they sit fourth in the Belgian Pro League, having won two of their last three away fixtures, but their recent European form has been shaky, with only one win in their last six away Champions League games.
Injury and team news
Club Brugge will miss left-back Bjorn Meijer due to injury, with Maxim De Cuyper expected to continue in his place.
Manager Nicky Hayen might stick with the lineup that performed well against Dortmund, despite the result, with Simon Mignolet in goal and Joel Ordonez and Brandon Mechele forming the central defensive partnership.
Last Club Brugge Lineup
Here is how Club Brugge lined up for their last match:
Sturm Graz Player To Watch
William Boving will be crucial for Sturm Graz in this match. The dynamic forward has been in good form domestically, and his pace and creativity will be key against a solid Club Brugge defence.
Club Brugge Player To Watch
Hans Vanaken, the midfield maestro, remains the heart of Club Brugge's play. His ability to control the tempo and unlock defences will be essential if Brugge are to secure all three points.
Prediction
This fixture is expected to be a tight contest, but Club Brugge’s superior quality in attack could give them the edge.
Sturm Graz’s recent home form in Europe is concerning, and Brugge may capitalise on that.
Our Prediction: Sturm Graz 1-2 Club Brugge
Betting Tips
Tip 1
Both teams to score – YesTip 2
Over 2.5 goals in the match
Tip 3
Club Brugge to win
