The upcoming UEFA Champions League match between Sturm Graz and Sporting Lisbon promises to be an intriguing encounter, showcasing two teams in contrasting trajectories. Sturm Graz, the Austrian champions, are currently performing well domestically despite struggling in the Champions League with two consecutive losses. They recently demonstrated their resilience by defeating RB Salzburg, which may bolster their confidence heading into this critical fixture. Conversely, Sporting Lisbon has exhibited exceptional form in both domestic and European competitions, winning all eight of their league matches this season and remaining unbeaten in their last eleven outings .
Sturm Graz, meanwhile, have suffered two defeats to Brest and Club Brugge. It looks as if they've got their work cut out if they're to make the top 24 which would see them advance into the play-off round.
Tuesday's hosts won their fourth Austrian Bundesliga title last season and have made a great start to their defence in 2024/25. They've made use of a transitioning RB Salzburg side, recently beating them 5-0, and currently sit atop the division after ten games.
Lineups:
Sturm Graz possible starting lineup: Scherpen; Gazibegovic, Lavalee, Aiwu; Yalcouye, Kiteishvili, Chukwuani, Geyrhofer; Boving, Biereth, Jatta
Sporting Lisbon possible starting lineup: Israel; Debast, St Juste, Quaresma; Geny Catamo, Morita, Hjulmand, Nuno Santos; Trincao, Gyokeres, Quenda
Sturm Graz booked their return to the Champions League after 24 years courtesy of a shock league win. It hasn’t been a smooth return, their struggles in Europe continuing with two straight losses this term. There’s a need to improve here, to rise from 31st spot in the standings.
It seems though, that Sporting Lisbon will be the ones improving on their placing, after bagging four points from two matches. Sporting also won the two meetings between these sides in the Europa League last season.
Despite Sporting's impressive run of form, they face challenges due to injuries that could impact their squad depth. Historically, Sporting has struggled during away games in Austria; they have secured only one victory from seven attempts . This context suggests that Sturm Graz might capitalize on Sporting's vulnerabilities at home. Predictions lean towards a narrow win for Sporting Lisbon; however, the match could easily sway based on tactical execution and player performance on the day .
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