Where will the Blackies’ EL journey take them?
Sportklub Sturm Graz is currently a long way from its best form. The Styrians have lost three of their last four competitive games and, a week ago, only just managed to prevail in the round of 16 of the ÖFB Cup against second division side Admira Wacker on penalties. The avoidable 2-1 defeat at Rapid Vienna at the weekend saw the reigning champions drop to fourth place in the Bundesliga table.
As things stand, they would also not qualify for the playoffs in the Europa League. However, with three points from three games, the Blackies are definitely still within reach and could score some big points in front of their home crowd on Thursday evening.
On the one hand, because coach Jürgen Säumel’s team, who wants to continue promoting himself for a potential extension of his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, is at the bottom of several rankings in the Europa League. These include passes completed, pass accuracy, and average passes played before losing the ball.
On the other hand, the upcoming opponent has recently shown a completely different face than at the beginning of the season. The signing of coach Sean Dyche has already had a positive effect and must therefore undoubtedly be cited as an argument for a Sturm Graz vs. Nottingham prediction in favor of the “Tricky Trees” from the island.
Right on Dyche’s debut two weeks ago, Forest celebrated an important 2-0 home win against FC Porto, giving the “Garibaldi Reds” four points from three EL games. This was followed by an expected 0-2 defeat in Bournemouth and a remarkable 2-2 draw at home against Manchester United at the weekend.
If last season’s Premier League surprise package can maintain their improved form and bring their individual quality to bear on the pitch in Styria, I think Forest have a good chance of coming away with three points. Alternatively, ahead of Sturm Graz’s crucial clash with Nottingham, the odds on both teams scoring are also very interesting.
The visitors have conceded at least two goals in five of their last six competitive games and have yet to keep a clean sheet away from home in any competition this season. Graz have only failed to score three times since the start of the season at the end of July. In five of the last six SK encounters, both sides have scored.
Sturm Graz – Nottingham Head-to-head record
More than 40 years after the legendary quarter-final in the 1983/84 UEFA Cup between Sturm Graz and Nottingham Forest, there will be a rematch on Thursday evening. Grazer honorary captain Andy Pichler, who was on the pitch at the time and unfortunately had to watch his Blackies miss out on a place in the semi-finals (1-2) due to a dubious penalty in extra time, will be at the stadium.
Pichler is now hoping for revenge from the new generation, which he believes has every chance of success: “I don’t think we’ll lose at home!” At least the passionate libero doesn’t have to worry about a controversial penalty decision like back then on Thursday, because as we all know, VAR is now in place – even in the Europa League! However, it is also clear that history has no relevant influence on Thursday’s Sturm Graz vs. Nottingham betting odds.
Sturm Graz – Nottingham Tip
After three defeats in their last four competitive games, including a 2-1 loss to Celtic Glasgow on the last EL matchday, in which midfielder Tochi Chukwuani was sent off and will definitely be missing on Thursday, SK Sturm Graz has big plans for their home game against Nottingham Forest.
For example, they would like to become the first Austrian team since Austria Vienna in 1991 to defeat an English opponent in a competitive match at European level. There have been 32 matches since then – the Premier League clubs have won 26 times, while the red-white-red representatives have managed six draws.
Three weeks ago, I would have given the Blackies a good chance, but with the change of coach from Postecoglou to Dyche, Forest has become a much better soccer team. In terms of physicality and quality, I also see the “Garibaldi Reds” ahead, so you might even consider an Asian handicap (-1.25) in favor of the “Tricky Trees.”
However, because the relegation battle in the Premier League takes priority and there are still some weaknesses to be seen, especially defensively, my favorite Sturm Graz vs. Nottingham tip is ultimately for both teams to score.
