Sturm Graz – Feyenoord : Preview & Prediction
Surprisingly, all four teams in UEFA Europa League (UEL) Group F are tied on five points apiece after recording identical starts (G1, E2, P1), but with Lazio and Midtjylland playing earlier in the evening, the permutation picture will be clearer for these teams when the match kicks off. Perhaps the only thing on Sturm Graz’s mind, however, is revenge, having suffered their record European defeat in the reverse fixture — a 6-0 thrashing by Feyenoord.
Sturm Graz certainly have not disgraced themselves since that fateful night in Rotterdam, as they have not lost a game since (G5, E3), and have also managed two consecutive clean sheets prior to this match. Christian Ilzer’s side drew two games against Lazio and also held UEFA Champions League side Salzburg to that run. That result should give them much-needed confidence as the Austrians look to improve their torrid record against Dutch opponents (G1, E1, P7).
A disappointing 1-1 draw against Sittard in the previous round of Eredivisie fixtures helped Ajax open up a four-point gap at the top of the table, but that result at least extended Feyenoord’s unbeaten run to six games (G2, E4). The plethora of draws during that sequence somewhat epitomizes Feyenoord’s frustrating UEL campaign as well (G1, E2, P1), as they have failed to qualify despite their 12 goals being their highest total of the campaign.
Feyenoord defender Dávid Hancko sees the silver lining in all this and recently stated that qualification “is in our own hands.” However, a run of just one win in their last 14 away games in the UEL (E4, P9) suggests it may not be for much longer despite their tag as favorites here. Whatever happens, we could be in for an exciting spectacle, as the 20 total goals seen in Feyenoord’s first four group games represents the highest figure in the entire UEL.
Key battle: Sturm Graz’s 19-year-old Dane William Bøving may have done enough to start this clash after scoring twice off the bench to help his side draw against Lazio. Looking to frustrate him will be Feyenoord’s Hancko, who has contributed four goals in his last ten appearances for club and country despite playing as a center back (three goals, one assist).
Key stat: Sturm Graz have failed to win in 13 of their last 14 UEL clashes (E4, P9).
Sturm Graz – Feyenoord : Betting Tips
Sturm Graz – Win Odds: 2.25
