Sturm Graz and Rangers both began their UEFA Europa League (UEL) campaigns with a defeat, so will be looking to make amends on matchday two.
Match News and Current Form
A seventh-minute own goal against Midtjylland was pretty much the worst possible start for Sturm last Wednesday as they ultimately lost 2-0 in Denmark. The Austrian side have now been defeated in seven of their last nine European main-draw matches (W2), but will be optimistic of a return home though, having won each of their previous three such games in UEFA competition. Whatever happens a draw seems the unlikeliest outcome, as none of Sturm's last 12 encounters across all competitions ended level (W8, L4).
Rangers lost 1-0 to Genk last Thursday, which will dampen some of the enthusiasm ahead of this trip to Austria. There is room for optimism though, given that the Scottish Premiership side have only lost two of their nine away main-draw games in European competition (W4, D3). A win here would certainly ease the pressure on under-fire manager Russell Martin, whose cause was helped with a dramatic 2-1 triumph over Livingston on Sunday, setting up the possibility of back-to-back victories for the first time during his tenure.
Head-to-Head History
These two sides’ only previous meetings came in the 2000/01 UEFA Champions League, as Sturm were thumped 5-0 in their Group D opener, before responding with a 2-0 win in Graz the following month. Rangers also have a decent record against Austrian opposition in Europe, winning five of seven such matches (L2), but only one of those wins came away from home.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Sturm have received exactly one first-half yellow card in six of their last seven games.
None of Sturm’s last six matches have seen both sides score.
Just one of Rangers’ last six games saw both teams find the net.
Rangers have not scored inside 20 minutes in any of their last eight matches.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Seedy Jatta was Sturm’s most recent scorer and has found the net four times in his last six games. Max Aarons scored Rangers’ winner against Livingston, scoring his first goal since August 2022 to mark a return from suspension in style.
Sturm do not seem to have any fresh injury concerns, while Rangers will be without the suspended Mohammed Diomande for this fixture after his red card against Genk.
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Betting Analysis
Given the generally low-scoring nature of Sturm and Rangers’ games recently, opting for under 2.5 total goals here seems sensible.
Author: Alex Bowmer