This preview sets the stage for a crucial UEFA Europa League clash on Thursday, as Austrian champions Sturm Graz host England’s Nottingham Forest at the Merkur Arena. This Matchday 4 fixture is pivotal for both sides’ knockout aspirations. Sturm Graz enter the match in a worrying dip in form, having lost their last two league matches and sitting on a four-game winless streak in all competitions.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, are battling relegation in the Premier League but have shown signs of life under new manager Sean Dyche, securing a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Manchester United last weekend and winning their last UEL outing 2-0 against Porto. This match preview will analyze the critical stats, team news, and odds for this intriguing European encounter, where Forest’s Premier League quality clashes with Sturm’s home advantage.
Sturm Graz Vs Nottingham Forest Match Preview
Team Recent Form
Recent results in all competitions, with the most recent result listed first.
- Sturm Graz: L D L L W
- Nottingham Forest: D L W L L
Read More On: PREVIEW: Mainz vs Fiorentina prediction
Key Stats
Here are three quick stats for punters to consider:
- Poor Away Day: Nottingham Forest are currently on a seven-match winless streak in all away games.
- Leaky Defenses: Sturm Graz have failed to keep a clean sheet, conceding in their last five consecutive matches across all competitions.
Correct Score Prediction
Our prediction is a 0-2 correct score in favour of Nottingham Forest.
While Forest’s away form is poor, their recent performances under Sean Dyche suggest a new defensive resilience. They held Manchester United to a draw and comfortably dispatched a strong Porto side 2-0. Sturm Graz are in a deep slump, particularly defensively, and are now facing a significant step up in opposition quality. We expect Forest’s attacking talents like Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi to have too much pace and quality for a struggling and injury-hit Sturm defence, leading to a professional win and a vital clean sheet on the road.
Looking to place a bet on this score? Check out the latest markets on Betano.
Sturm Graz Vs Nottingham Forest H2H
Head-to-head stats between these two clubs are limited, with only one prior competitive meeting.
- The two sides last met competitively in a two-legged European tie way back in 1984.
- In that tie, both teams exchanged 1-0 home victories over the two legs.
- Nottingham Forest ultimately advanced after scoring the decisive goal in extra time in the second leg.
- This will be their first-ever meeting in the modern UEFA Europa League format.
Pre-game Odds
The bookmakers have priced the Premier League side as the clear favourites for this encounter.
- Sturm Graz to win: 4.82
- Draw: 3.98
- Nottingham Forest to win: 1.68
(Odds are subject to change. Find these odds and more at Betano.)
Read More On: PREVIEW: Nice vs Freiburg prediction
Team News Sturm Graz
The Austrian hosts are facing a minor selection crisis. Their biggest blow is in midfield, where key man Tochi Chukwuani is suspended after being sent off against Celtic on Matchday 3. They are also dealing with a number of injuries, with Arjan Malic (bone swelling) ruled out, alongside forward Axel Kayombo (ankle).
Team News Nottingham Forest
Forest’s new manager, Sean Dyche is also contending with a lengthy absentee list. The most significant new loss is midfielder Douglas Luiz, who is out with a hamstring injury sustained against Manchester United. He joins defenders Ola Aina (hamstring) and Oleksandr Zinchenko (groin) in the treatment room. Furthermore, several key players, including striker Taiwo Awoniyi and winger Omari Hutchinson, are ineligible for this match as they were not registered in Forest’s Europa League squad. Ibrahim Sangare is the likely candidate to replace Luiz in midfield.
Predicted Lineups
Sturm Graz Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Bignetti (GK); Karic, Lavalee, Aiwu, Ermann; Hedl, Gorenc-Stankovic, Kiteishvili, Horvath; Ruzga, Malone
Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sels (GK); Savona, Murillo, Milenkovic, Williams; Anderson, Sangare; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus
Sturm Graz Vs Nottingham Forest Betting Tips
Based on the data, team news, and recent form, here are our three expert betting tips for this match. You can find all these markets on Betano.
- Tip 1 – Result: Nottingham Forest to win
- Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Under 2.5 goals
- Tip 3 – Both Teams to Score: No
(Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you sign up via these links.)
Full terms and conditions apply | gambleaware.org | Gamble responsibly | 18+
