SK Sturm Graz of Austria face Club Brugge from Belgium in what could be a vital UEFA Champions League matchday 2 fixture at the Merkur- Arena, Graz on October 2nd at 20:00 GMT. Both sides will be keen to bounce back from opening round losses and get a win on the board in this new League Phase of the 2024/25 Champions League.
Our 3 Predictions for Sturm Graz vs Club Brugge
- 1st prediction: Club Brugge to Win– 2.61
- 2nd prediction: Both Teams to Score- 1.62
- 3rd prediction: Total Goals Scored Over 3.5 – 2.75
1st Prediction for Sturm Graz vs Club Brugge: Club Brugge to Win- 2.05
I think Club Brugge can go away to Graz and pick up the win which could kick start their bid to reach the Top 24 and make at least the knockout play-off round of this season’s Champions League. They had a bad day at the office against Dortmund on matchday 1, but they have the ability to bounce back against a Sturm Graz side who have conceded 5 goals in their last 2 matches.
2nd Prediction for Sturm Graz vs Club Brugge: Both Teams to Score- 1.62
While I think Club Brugge will beat SK Sturm Graz on October 2nd, I think the Austrian side are undoubtedly capable of scoring at least once against Brugge’s defence. Graz have conceded 12 goals to Brugge’s 15 so far this season while Brugge have found the back of the net 15 times this campaign, compared to Graz’s return of 18 goals in 9 matches.
3rd Prediction for Sturm Graz vs Club Brugge: Total Goals scored Over 3.5- 2.75
As has already been mentioned, both these sides are without doubt better going forward than they are defending their goals. With that in mind, I expect there to be plenty of goals in this vital League Phase clash between Sturm Graz and Club Brugge with the over 3.5 goals scored market looking quite appealing.
Best Odds for Sturm Graz vs Club Brugge
Full Preview of the Game: Last Results and Head-to-Head
Both Sturm Graz and Club Brugge will have to come back from opening week defeats when they face off in their Champions League matchday 2 clash on October 2nd.
Graz lost 1-2 away to Stade Brestois, while Brugge suffered a heavy 0-3 defeat at home to last year’s finalists Borussia Dortmund.
The Austrian side have started their season with 6 wins in their opening 9 matches in all competitions and sit in 4th place in the Austrian Bundesliga after 6 matches.
Club Brugge have had a shaky start to their 2024/25 campaign with 5 defeats already in their opening 10 matches overall. They are currently 4th in the Jupiler Pro League table with a record of 4 wins, 3 defeats and 1 draw from their first 8 League games.
This is an important game for both teams as neither will want to start their Champions League with two straight defeats, but I can see Club Brugge going to Austria and picking up a vital away win to get them up and running in the new League Phase.
Where to watch Sturm Graz vs Club Brugge
- Location: Merkur-Arena, Graz, Austria
- Date: Wednesday 02nd October at 20:00 GMT
- TV Channel: TNT Sports
Probable lineups Sturm Graz vs Club Brugge
Sturm Graz and Club Brugge have clearly defined formations that they have used for most of the season so far. Sturm Graz will more than likely line-up in the 4-4-2 diamond that they have been used to under Christian Ilzer, while Brugge under Nicky Hayen will probably set up in a 4-2-3-1 system.
Sturm Graz lineup (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper: K. Scherpen
Right Back: J. Gazibegovic
Centre Back: E. Aiwu
Centre Back: N. Geyrhofer
Left Back: E. Karic
Defensive Midfield: J. Gorenc Stankovic
Centre Midfield: T. Horvat
Centre Midfield: O. Kiteishvili
Attacking Midfield: L. Zvonarek
Striker: W. Boving
Striker: M. Biereth
Injured/Suspended: SK Sturm Graz will definitely be without Alexander Borkovic for the game against Club Brugge while there are doubts about the availability of centre back Gregory Wuthrich after he went off injured in their matchday 1 loss to Stade Brestois on September 19th.
Coach: Christian Ilzer
Club Brugge lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: S. Mignolet
Right Back: J. Seys
Centre Back: B. Mechele
Centre Back: J. Ordonnez
Left Back: M. De Cuyper
Centre Midfield: R. Onyedika
Centre Midfield: H. Vetlesen
Right Wing: A. Skov Olsen
Attacking Midfield: H. Vanaken
Left Wing: C. Tzolis
Striker: R. Nilsson
Injured/Suspended: Club Brugge will be without Bjorn Meijer who is out with a knee injury for the game against Sturm Graz on October 2nd.
Coach: Nicky Hayen