Sturm Graz vs Hearts Predictions
Sturm Graz hosts Hearts at the Merkur Arena in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League second qualifying-round tie on Tuesday.
The Austrian hosts have the edge in experience, and with a strong home record in recent European games, should build a first-leg advantage.
I’m backing Sturm Graz to win, while I also have a stake on Hearts to bring up the BTTS pick.
Sturm Graz Tipped for Home Victory
- Sturm Graz won 5 of their last 7 home matches (European competitions)
- Sturm Graz have seen BTTS in 4 of their last 5 matches
- Hearts have seen BTTS in 9 of their last 10 matches
- Hearts lost 3 of their last 4 away matches (competitive fixtures)
Sturm and Hearts Set For First Encounter
Tuesday’s contest will be the first competitive meeting between Sturm Graz and Hearts.
Sturm Graz Enjoy Solid Summer
Sturm Graz completed their pre-season preparations with a 1-0 victory against Pogon Szczecin last Wednesday. Axel Kayombo¡s goal late in the second half was enough to see off their Polish opponents.
Fabio Ingolitsch’s side created several opportunities during a friendly fixture played out over an extended 120 minutes.
The Blackies have enjoyed a strong summer, winning four and losing just one of six pre-season friendly fixtures. The Austrians eased to a 5-1 win against Sanfrecce Hiroshima before last weekend’s win against the Poles.
Sturm have plenty of continental experience to call on, having competed in the Europa League last season and the Champions League in the 24/25 campaign.
A strong home record in continental fixtures has seen the Bundesliga side pick up victories against Brann, Rangers and Bodo/Glimt in the past 12 months.
Hearts Impress Against Rayo Vallecano
Hearts prepared for their trip to Austria with an impressive 2-1 friendly victory against Rayo Vallecano at Tynecastle on Friday.
Amadou Ba-Sy scored two first-half headers as the Jambos produced a fluent attacking display against their La Liga visitors.
Hearts created several opportunities and were unlucky not to score a third before Sergio Camello pulled one back for Rayo in the second half.
That result continued an unbeaten pre-season campaign for Wouter Vrancken’s side, who also claimed victories against St Mirren and Arbroath.
The Scottish side have undergone significant changes since finishing second in the Premiership last season. Former boss Derek McInnes, club captain Lawrence Shankland and Australian international Cammy Devlin all left the club.
Sturm Graz vs Hearts Team News
Sturm Graz: (4-3-1-2) Daniil Khudyakov; Jurgen Heil, Albert Vallci, Paul-Friedrich Koller, Emran Soglo; Simon Seidl, Jon Gorenc Stankovic, Ryan Fosso; Otar Kiteishvili; Seedy Jatta, Szymon Wlodarczyk.
Sturm will be without Amady Camara after the forward sustained a thigh injury in training. The Mali international is expected to miss both legs of the tie.
Seedy Jatta is likely to lead the attack, with Szymon Wlodarczyk and Axel Kayombo competing to partner the Norwegian.
Hearts: (4-2-3-1) Alexander Schwolow; Christian Borchgrevink, Jamie McCart, Stuart Findlay, Stephen Kingsley; Oisin McEntee, Tom Renaud; Sabah Kerjota, Claudio Braga, Alexandros Kyziridis; Rogers Mato.
Head coach Vrancken will be forced into some changes to his first XI this week.
Ba-Sy scored twice against Rayo but is unavailable after being omitted from the European squad. Josh McPake and MJ Kamson-Kamara are also ineligible.
Rogers Mato could replace Ba-Sy in attack, while Sabah Kerjota and Jamie McCart are also expected to come into the starting XI.
Alexander Schwolow is expected to remain in goal despite agreeing to leave Hearts for Mainz. New signing Beau Reus has not been registered in time to feature.
Completing the European squad was one of the toughest decisions Vrancken has faced since arriving at Tynecastle, with several players having limited opportunities to stake their claim before last Thursday’s deadline.
“It’s very difficult,” the Belgian boss admitted.
“It’s a pity that a lot of players couldn’t show themselves as much as they want because we had to give the list on Thursday.
“Some guys I saw two times, 45 minutes or 45 and 60 minutes. But that’s not real minutes to show something.
“But OK, you make a decision. I talked with everybody. I’m really honest and open in my decision-making and the reasons behind.”