Nottingham Forest will continue their UEFA Europa League (UEL) journey in Austria as they prepare to take on Sturm Graz on Thursday evening. This will be their first European trip under Sean Dyche.
Forest have had a mixed start to life back in Europe so far, winning, drawing and losing each of their opening three games. Meanwhile, Sturm Graz have also only won once in their first three matches, losing the other two, so both teams will be craving a positive result here.
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Sturm Graz vs Nottingham Forest prediction: Tricky Trees to be tested in Austria
Key stats
- Sturm Graz have lost three of their last four games in total in all competitions.
- Forest are winless in all seven away matches so far this season.
- Forest are unbeaten in the previous two H2Hs.
Correct score prediction: Sturm Graz 1-1 Nottingham Forest
With both teams not in the best of form and having a stuttering European campaign so far, neither side's confidence is high. Thus, we can see them sharing the spoils in Austria.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Forest firm favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 18/5 (4.60) – 21.7%
- DRAW: 3/1 (4.00) – 25.0%
- AWAY: 4/6 (1.67) – 60.0%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Forest have been installed as the firm favourites with bookmakers to return to the City Ground with all three points. A draw can be backed at 25%, while a Sturm Graz victory on home soil can also be backed at just under 22%.
Also, feel free to check out more of Today’s betting tips for our free expert predictions, as well as our Europa League predictions & betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: First meeting since 1984
These two teams have only met twice before, incidentally in the same competition. Forest won the initial home leg 1-0 before drawing 1-1 in Austria, over 40 years ago.
Sturm Graz preview: Chukwuani suspended
Tochi Chukwuani is suspended for this one, while Belmin Beganovic is injured. Otherwise, Sturm Graz have a fully fit squad to choose from.
Predicted lineup: Christensen (GK); Malic, Aiwu, Lavalee, Karic; Gorenc Stankovic, Rozga; Horvat, Kiteishvili, Kayombo & Malone
Last five results:
- SK Rapid 2-1 Sturm Graz
- Admira 1-2 Sturm Graz
- Sturm Graz 1-3 Wolfsberger
- Celtic 2-1 Sturm Graz
- BW Linz 3-4 Sturm Graz
Nottingham Forest preview: Plenty of players missing
Forest continue to be without a number of key players ahead of this clash. Notable absentees include strikers Chris Wood and Igor Jesus through injury and suspension rspectively.
Predicted lineup: Sels (GK); Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Sangare; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi & Kalimuendo
Last five results:
- Nottingham Forest 2-2 Manchester United
- Bournemouth 2-0 Nottingham Forest
- Nottingham Forest 2-0 Porto
- Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea
- Newcastle 2-0 Nottingham Forest
Player to watch: Morgan Gibbs-White
Morgan Gibbs-White scored in his last appearance for Forest, in their 2-2 draw at home to Manchester United. He also netted in their previous UEL match, a 2-0 victory against Porto.