Sturm Graz – PSV : Preview & Prediction
Sturm Graz have a lot to do if they are to overturn a 4-1 deficit against PSV in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. The Austrian side have never reversed a knockout tie in this competition after losing the first leg, and perhaps their heavy defeat in the Netherlands stayed in the back of their players’ minds on their return to the domestic competition last weekend, as they were held to a goalless draw by Austria Klagenfurt.
That said, Christian Ilzer’s men have been strong at home, managing to claim victory in 17 of their last 22 official matches at the Merkur-Arena (E3, P2). Moreover, to add further positives, Sturm’s only win in nine previous meetings against Dutch opposition (E1, P7) came at exactly this stage of the UEFA Champions League in August 2000, when they beat Feyenoord (2-1), eventually advancing 3-2 on aggregate, in what turned out to be the last season in which they reached the group stage of European soccer’s top club competition.
PSV, on the other hand, are going through a great spell under new coach Peter Bosz, beating Feyenoord 1-0 in the Johan Cruyff Shield before opening their Eredivisie season with a 2-0 win over Utrecht, results that came in the midst of their comfortable win over Sturm in Austria.
Should they manage to win the tie, PSV would face either Servette or Rangers in the playoff round, and will be confident of reaching that stage as they boast an impressive record against Austrian opposition in European competition, having won 12 of their 17 clashes to this point (E3, P2), a mark that includes two wins over Sturm in the Europa League group stage in the 2020/21 campaign (4-1 and 2-0).
Players to watch: Young striker Szymon Wlodarczyk has recorded strong performances since joining Sturm Graz last month, scoring in two of his first four official appearances for his new side. Meanwhile, Netherlands international Noa Lang has also impressed at his new club, picking up two goals and an assist in his first three games for PSV since arriving from Club Brugge.
Key stat: PSV have scored in the second half in their last seven away games in all competitions.
Sturm Graz – PSV : Betting Tips
OVER 2.5 GOALS Odds: 2.25
