Sturm Graz vs Feyenoord prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2022-10-26 19:00.
Amazingly, all four teams in UEFA Europa League (UEL) Group F are tied on five points apiece after making identical starts (W1, D2, L1), but with Lazio and Midtjylland playing earlier in the evening, the permutation picture will become clearer for these sides come kick-off. Perhaps the only thing on Sturm Graz’s mind will be revenge however, having suffered their record European defeat in the reverse fixture, a 6-0 drubbing by Feyenoord!
Sturm certainly haven’t disgraced themselves since that fateful night in Rotterdam as they’ve not lost a single game following (W5, D3), also notching back-to-back clean sheets ahead of the return. Christian Ilzer’s men held Lazio to two draws and also kept Champions League participants Salzburg at bay during that run, providing much needed confidence as the Austrians look to improve on their torrid record against Dutch opponents (W1, D1, L7).
A disappointing 1-1 draw with Sittard last time out in the Eredivisie 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 (W2, D4). The sheer amount of stalemates during that run somewhat personifies Feyenoord’s frustrating UEL campaign too (W1, D2, L1), with their competition-high 12 goals ahead of the round failing to steer them to early qualification.
Feyenoord defender Dávid Hancko sees the positive side, stating that qualification “remains in our own hands”. However, a run of just one win from their last 14 UEL away games (D4, L9) suggests that it may not be for much longer despite their warm favourites tag here. Whatever happens, we could be in for a thrilling spectacle as the 20 total goals seen across Feyenoord’s opening four group games represents a UEL-high!
Key battle: Sturm’s 19 year-old Danish prospect William Bøving may have done enough to earn a start here after scoring twice from the bench to help his side draw against Lazio. Looking to thwart him will be Feyenoord’s Hancko, who has contributed to four goals across his last ten appearances for club & country despite playing as a centre-back (G3, A1).
Hot stat: Sturm Graz have failed to win 13 of their last 14 UEL matches (D4, L9).