Sturm Graz vs Rakow prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2023-11-29 17:45.
It’s a case of ‘now or never’ for Austrian side Sturm Graz if they want to qualify for the UEFA Europa League (UEL) knockout stages, as they almost certainly need to win here in order to take their hopes of progression into the final matchday. A draw against Raków Częstochowa could technically still be enough if Sporting Lisbon don’t defeat Atalanta, but with a final matchday trip to the Portuguese giants who beat them 2-1 in the reverse H2H, the hosts will want to take maximum points here.
That could be easier said than done as Sturm Graz continues to struggle for consistency. A routine 2-0 domestic victory over Austria Lustenau at the weekend made it successive wins for the home side, but they’ve still failed to win in the majority of their last seven competitive outings (W3, D1, L3). That’s also been seen in the UEL, in which they won just one of their four group stage matches (D1, L2), but defeating Raków with a clean sheet (1-0) in the reverse fixture should boost confidence ahead of this meeting.
This match has come too late for visiting Raków who already know qualification from Group D is beyond them thanks to their four winless outings to date (D1, L3). If they lose this upcoming match, they’ll also be condemned to finish last, but regardless of what happens from here, the Polish side and their fans will have still enjoyed their first ever major European group stage appearance.
That said, they’ll still be desperate to grab a famous European victory, and this could represent their best chance, with their final group stage match pitting them against current leaders Atalanta. To their detriment, Raków’s away form remains weak, winning just two of their last six such matches (D1, L3), which could prove their Achilles’ heel again here.
Players to watch: William Bøving struck the winner in the reverse H2H, whilst three of his four goals this season have come in European action. Bartosz Nowak could be Raków’s main threat here, having scored five times this campaign whilst netting both of his side’s last two goals.
Hot stat: All but one of Raków’s last seven competitive away matches saw both teams score on the day.