Sturm Graz vs Nottingham Forest Preview

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Sturm Graz and Nottingham Forest meet in Austria in a UEFA Europa League (UEL) clash that could prove decisive for both sides’ chances of progressing from the league phase. Each team has struggled for consistency so far, and victory here would go a long way to turning their respective European campaigns around.

Sturm Graz are enduring a difficult spell both domestically and in Europe. A narrow 2-1 defeat to Rapid Vienna at the weekend was their third loss in four matches across all competitions (W1), and defensive issues have been their undoing. The Austrian champions have conceded at least twice in three of those fixtures, including their 2-1 defeat away to Celtic on matchday three of the UEL. That loss left Jürgen Säumel’s side with just three points from a possible nine, and a negative goal difference that leaves them under pressure heading into this encounter.

The Austrian outfit’s recent UEL record doesn’t inspire confidence either — they’ve lost five of their last six matches in the competition, failing to score in four of those. While home comforts have traditionally provided some relief, their attacking struggles have left them teetering between promise and frustration. To stand any chance of advancing, Säumel will need his side to rediscover the defensive resilience that defined their 2022/23 domestic success.

Nottingham Forest, by contrast, enter this match on a cautiously optimistic note. Their 2-0 win over FC Porto on matchday three — Sean Dyche’s first game in charge — was exactly the boost they needed after taking just one point from their opening two group fixtures. That result not only reignited their UEL campaign but also brought Forest’s first clean sheet of the season in any competition.

However, inconsistency remains a lingering problem. The Tricky Trees followed that victory with a 0-2 loss to Bournemouth and a 2-2 draw against Manchester United in the Premier League, results that highlighted the defensive fragility Dyche is still trying to fix. His immediate focus will be on tightening a backline that has shipped far too many goals, with Forest conceding in eight of their last ten matches across all competitions.

Dyche’s arrival has brought greater structure and intensity, but if Forest are to turn that into sustained results, they must show they can produce back-to-back performances — something that has eluded them for most of this season.

헤드 투 헤드 기록

This isn’t the first time these sides have met in European competition. Nottingham Forest hold the historical edge after defeating Sturm Graz 2-1 on aggregate in the 1983/84 UEFA Cup quarter-final — the only previous competitive meetings between the clubs.

While that tie was over four decades ago, it remains a reminder that Forest have been here before and have the pedigree to get results on the continental stage.

인기 통계 및 연속 기록

• Each of Sturm Graz’s last four European victories have come on home soil.
• The Austrians have conceded 2+ goals in four of their last six European main draw matches.
• Nottingham Forest’s UEL games this season have averaged 3.67 total goals, one of the highest figures in the competition.
• Only one of Forest’s last five matches across all competitions has seen both teams score.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

For Sturm Graz, Otar Kiteishvili remains the key attacking outlet. The Georgian playmaker has eight goals in all competitions this season, and notably, his last two have arrived beyond the 85th minute — highlighting his ability to influence games late on.

His creativity and eye for goal make him the hosts’ most likely difference-maker.

For Forest, 모건 깁스-화이트 is the man in form. The English midfielder has been directly involved in three of Forest’s goals in the UEL this season (G1, A2) and was also on the scoresheet against Manchester United at the weekend.

Gibbs-White’s intelligence between the lines and growing confidence could make him a crucial figure once again in Austria.

On the team news front, Sturm Graz are close to full strength with no major absentees reported. Nottingham Forest, however, may be without Douglas Luiz, who limped off in their last domestic outing and faces a late fitness test.

Tactical Overview

Sturm Graz will look to impose their aggressive, front-footed style, using their 4-2-3-1 setup to press high and attack quickly down the flanks. Their weakness lies in defensive transitions, where gaps often appear between midfield and defence — something Forest will seek to exploit.

Sean Dyche’s approach will likely be more pragmatic. Forest will sit compact, absorb pressure, and look to break with pace through Gibbs-White and the wide players. Set pieces — a trademark of Dyche’s teams — could also be a decisive factor, especially against a side that has struggled to defend aerial balls.

베팅 분석

Forest’s superior squad depth and growing confidence under Dyche make them the favourites, but Sturm Graz’s strong home record cannot be dismissed outright. The Austrians tend to raise their game in front of their fans, particularly in Europe, where four of their last five continental wins came at home.

That said, Forest’s attacking quality and greater physicality should tilt the balance in their favour. A bet on Nottingham Forest to win looks solid, while Forest to win and both teams to score offers longer odds for those expecting a more open encounter.

Prediction: Sturm Graz 1–2 Nottingham Forest

Forest’s extra quality and Dyche’s tactical nous could prove decisive in what should be a tight, competitive match. Expect the visitors to strike in key moments and continue their European revival.

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Sturm Graz vs Nott’m Forest | UEFA Europa League 2025/26