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Hearts of Midlothian will make the trip to Merkur Arena for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifying tie against Sturm Graz on Tuesday.
This is the visiting team's first appearance in this competition in exactly 20 years, and they will fancy their chances of reaching the third qualifying round.
Sturm Graz, on the other hand, are eyeing their fourth consecutive victory.
Read our Sturm Graz vs Hearts prediction, preview and betting tips below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Sturm Graz vs Hearts key stats
- Nine of Hearts’ last 10 matches produced goals at both ends..
- At least three goals were scored in five of Sturm Graz’s last six games.
- Sturm Graz are unbeaten in their last 13 competitive fixtures.
Sturm Graz vs Hearts preview: First meeting
Sturm Graz vs Hearts — Tale of the Tape
| Sturm Graz | vs | Hearts |
|---|---|---|
| N/A (Austrian Bundesliga) | Position | N/A (Scottish Premiership) |
| N/A | Points | BN/A |
| N/A | Goals For | N/A |
| N/A | Goals Against | N/A |
| N/A | Clean Sheets | N/A |
| N/A | Home / Away Rank | N/A |
Sturm Graz had a two-point lead at the top of the Austrian Bundesliga table with only four games remaining last season but ultimately lost the title to LASK Linz by two points. Due to their second-place finish, the hosts earned a place in qualifying rounds of the UEFA Champions League.
Fabio Ingolitsch’s men have reached the group stage of at least one UEFA competition in each of the last five years. They qualified for the Europa League last season, and two of their eight opponents were Scottish sides (Celtic, Rangers).
Moreover, Sturm Graz have been a tough team to beat, especially at this stadium, where they have not lost a competitive fixture in 2026. They have also won their last three home games in this competition.
Amady Camara, who spent last season on loan to Nantes, has been ruled out of both legs against Hearts with a thigh strain. The 21-year-old forward is the only absentee for the hosts ahead of this skirmish.
On the other hand, Hearts were just 45 minutes away from winning their first Premiership title since the 1959/60 season, but were unable to hold their own against Celtic in the final game of the season. As a result of their second-place finish, the visitors have secured a UEFA Champions League qualifying berth for the first time since the 2006/07 season.
Despite their poor track record in this competition, it is worth mentioning that Hearts have qualified for the Conference League twice in the last four seasons, although they failed to reach the knockout phase on both occasions.
Coach Wouter Vrancken will be without quite a number of players for this encounter. Summer signing goalkeeper Beau Reus, who only joined last Friday, was omitted alongside winger Josh McPake, centre-back Michael John Kamara, and forward Amadou Ba-Sy.
Sander Kartum, Yan Dhanda, and Elton Kabangu are also unavailable for selection, while Craig Halkett, Finlay Pollock, and Ageu are out due to injuries.
Sturm Graz have won three and lost three of six previous skirmishes with Scottish opponents, while Hearts are unbeaten in two previous encounters with Austrian sides (W1, D1).
Sturm Graz vs Hearts form guide & betting tips
| Sturm Graz | vs | Hearts |
|---|---|---|
N/A |
Champions League Qualification Form | N/A |
| 14 | Goals For | 9 |
| 6 | Goals Against | 7 |
L
D
W
W
W
|
Form (All Comps) |
W
L
L
W
W
|
Whispers Predicts: Sturm Graz 2-1 Hearts
At 17/20 (1.85), Sturm Graz are considered favourites by the bookmakers.
Hearts have not been particularly impressive on the road, having won only one of their last seven competitive away games (D2, L4). Keeping in mind that Sturm Graz have not lost a competitive home game this year, we are confident that the hosts will emerge victorious after 90 minutes.
We should also expect goals at both ends, as this was the case in four of Sturm Graz's last five games and in nine of Hearts’ last 10 matches. BTTS – Yes is priced at 7/10 (1.70).
Furthermore, at least three goals were scored in each of Hearts' last five fixtures and in five of Sturm Graz's last six outings. On that note, we fancy over 2.5 total goals at 4/5 (1.80).
> Over 2.5 total goals at 4/5 (1.80) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 7/10 (1.70) | Likelihood: Probable
> Match result: Sturm Graz at 17/20 (1.85) | Likelihood: Probable
> Sturm Graz & BTTS – Yes at 13/5 (3.60) | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct Score: 2-1 at 15/2 (8.50) | Likelihood: Outsider