Sturm Graz vs Sporting Lisbon prediction, free betting tips & odds

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Date: 21st September 2023
Kick-Off: 20:00 UK, 21:00 CET
Venue: Merkur-Arena
TV: TNT Sports 7

The odds are accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change. Check carefully before finalising your wager with your bookmaker.

Sturm Graz vs Sporting Lisbon: Top free betting tips

Austrian outfit celebrates European Thursdays with a banquet for Sporting Lisbon. Both sides have been laying waste to domestic rivals and will be eager to test their mettle with outside opposition in this Group D fixture.

Match result prediction: Sporting Lisbon to win

The tension in Graz will be palpable as Sturm entertains Sporting. While the Austrians will be confident in their abilities, last year's beaten quarter-finalists arrive on the back of a 3-0 humbling of Moreirense. Moreover, they are unbeaten in the current campaign with four wins to their name. They like to travel as well and will fancy their chances against Graz. Sporting humbled European rivals last time around and will kickstart their campaign with similar results against Sturm.

Total goals prediction: Over 2.5 Goals

Under Ruben Amorim, Sporting have become goalscoring juggernauts. Borussia Dortmund learnt this the hard way and so did Club Brugge a season earlier. They have not lost their oomph with 10 goals in five Liga Portugal outings. Graz are no slouches with 12 goals in the same period. As they meet in their Group D opener, we expect fireworks to fly with at least 2.5 goals witnessed in this meeting.

Correct score prediction: 3-1 to Sporting Lisbon

Last year, Club Brugge suffered a 5-1 humbling at Lisbon's hands. Midtjylland were also humbled 7-2 across two legs, while Dynamo Kyiv suffered a 5-0 dismantling. Graz will hope to avoid this fate and have a good momentum to build on. However, we do not see them coming out on top in front of their fans, where they have largely defied expectations. Sporting will continue to score extravagantly but will also concede in a match that is likely to finish 3-1 in the Portuguese's favour.

Sturm Graz vs Sporting Lisbon: Form, recent games, and news

Sturm Graz preview

Sturm Graz exhibited impressive form in the previous UEL campaign, finishing fourth only on goal difference. They started the current season's UEL campaign with a 1-0 home win against Midtjylland and maintained a clean sheet at the Merkur Arena throughout the campaign. Their defensive prowess is evident in the Austrian Bundesliga, where they have conceded only four goals in an unbeaten start. All eyes will be on Otar Kiteishvili, who has led their ranks with two goals and two assists in his last two appearances.

Sporting Lisbon preview

Sporting Lisbon enters the UEL with an unbeaten record in the Primeira Liga, winning four and drawing one. Their recent 3-0 victory over Moreirense highlights their form. Sporting had a commendable Europa League campaign last season, reaching the quarter-finals. However, their last trip to Austria resulted in a 3-0 defeat against LASK Linz in December 2019. Sporting aims to secure their first victory in Austria after seven unsuccessful attempts and will hope Viktor Gyökeres' impressive run of form earns it for them.

FAQs regarding Sturm Graz vs Sporting Lisbon

What was Sturm Graz's last result? 2-2 draw with Salzburg.
What was Sporting Lisbon's last result? 3-0 win over Moreirense.
Who is the player to watch? Otar Kiteishvili (Sturm Graz).