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Bournemouth return to European action on Thursday night by welcoming Sturm Graz to the Vitality Stadium in the Europa League.
The Cherries beat Real Sociedad 2-1 away from home on their European debut, but have struggled for form domestically.
Meanwhile, Sturm got their first point in the league phase with a 0-0 draw at home to Rennes, but they will be underdogs here.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Bournemouth vs. Sturm Graz key stats
- Bournemouth come into this off the back of successive defeats.
- Sturm lost all four European away games last season.
- Sturm are winless in eight head-to-heads against English opposition (D2, L6).
Bournemouth vs. Sturm Graz preview: Cherries to get back on track?
Bournemouth vs Sturm Graz — Tale of the Tape
| Bournemouth | vs | Sturm Graz |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | Position | 20th |
| 3 | Points | 1 |
| 2 | Goals For | 0 |
| 1 | Goals Against | 0 |
| 0 | Clean Sheets | 1 |
| 12th (H) | Home / Away Rank | 26th (A) |
A remarkable season saw Bournemouth finish in sixth in the Premier League and qualify for Europe for the first time in their history.
Unfortunately, it came at the expense of Andoni Iraola, who left for Liverpool with Marco Rose replacing him.
The new manager has found it tough, as the Cherries remain winless in the Premier League (D3, L3), but they did win in Europe.
Bournemouth were also dealt a blow last week with Alex Scott ruled out for a few weeks, and he has joined a long injury list.
Sturm are much more experienced in Europe, and this is their sixth successive European campaign.
The Austrians were held at home by Rennes in their league phase opener, but have since won their last two competitive games.
That will give Fabio Ingolitsch's side some confidence, but they will be expecting a tough test here.
Otar Kiteishvili and Gizo Mamageishvili missed their 2-0 victory at Austria Vienna last time out though, and so it is unclear whether they will play.
Bournemouth vs. Sturm Graz form guide & betting tips
| Bournemouth | vs | Sturm Graz |
|---|---|---|
WDWLL |
Form | WDLWW |
| 9 | Goals For | 7 |
| 9 | Goals Against | 5 |
W |
Europa League | D |
Whispers predicts: Bournemouth 3-1 Sturm Graz
Bournemouth are 2/9 (1.22) favourites, but while we agree with the bookies, we want to explore other bets.
BTTS – Yes at 10/11 (1.91) is our first pick, as the Cherries have been vulnerable defensively and will be nervous given recent form.
Over 3.5 goals at 19/20 (1.95) could also come through, with Bournemouth scoring three or more goals in each of their last four home victories.
Rayan could provide the quality for the Cherries having netted the winner against Sociedad, and Rayan to score anytime at 5/4 (2.25) could be worth backing.
Overall, we are predicting a 3-1 Bournemouth victory, which is available at 9/1 (10.00).
> BTTS – Yes at 1.91 | Likelihood: High
> Over 3.5 goals at 1.95 | Likelihood: High
> Rayan to score anytime at 2.25 | Likelihood: Medium