The Round 8 match of the group stage of the 2025/26 Europa League between Sturm Graz (Austria) and Brann (Norway) will take place on 29 January at Merkur Arena in Graz. Sturm Graz vs Brann: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Sturm Graz
Sturm Graz played their last match away, where they were thrashed by Feyenoord (3:0). This defeat ended the hosts' hopes of finishing in the top 24. It was also their third consecutive loss in the group stage. The club sits in 31st place, four points shy of the play-off zone, which is already impossible to make up in a single match. It is also worth adding that the home side have not won in this European competition for five matches (1 draw and 4 defeats).
- In their previous 11 matches in this tournament the Austrian side have won just 1 (2 draws and 8 defeats).
- Exactly two or three goals were scored in 6 of Sturm Graz's last 8 Europa League games.
- At least one team failed to score in 7 of the previous 10 matches in this competition.
Potential Sturm Graz Lineup (4-4-2)*
Daniil Khudyakov – Arjan Malic, Emir Karic, Emanuel Aiwu, Tim Ermann – Jon Gorenc Stankovic, Otar Kiteishvili, Tomi Horvat, Luka Vainhandl – Morris Malone, Sidi Jatta.
Forward Leon Grgic and defender Dimitri Lavale are injured.
Brann
Brann showed character in their most recent match, managing to salvage a draw at home with Midtjylland (3:3). It is also worth noting that the visitors have gone four Europa League matches without a win (3 draws and 1 defeat). Brann sit 22nd in the standings and lead the nearest competitor outside the play-off zone by two points. The Scandinavians will definitely advance to the next round if they win, and a draw will very likely be enough.
- The team has avoided defeat in 5 of their last 6 matches in this tournament (2 wins and 3 draws).
- Brann have not lost in 5 of their last 7 Europa League away matches (3 wins and 2 draws).
- The Norwegian side did not concede in the first half in their previous 7 away matches in this competition.
Potential Brann Lineup (5-4-1)*
Mathias Dyngeland – Vetle Dragsnes, Denzel de Ruve, Nana Kwame Boakye, Tor Pedersen, Fredrik Knudsen – Markus Holand, Ulrik Mathisen, Emil Kornvig, Jakob Sorensen – Noah Holm.
Midfielders Sakarias Opsahl and Egert Gudmundsson, forward Sevar Magnusson and defender Jonas Torsvik are out due to injuries.
Referee
Eugjin Jaja (Albania)
Matches – 12 (International fixtures, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow/Red Cards Shown (including second yellows) – 58;
Average Yellow/Red Cards Per Match – 4.8;
Red Cards Shown – 2;
Fouls Per Match On Average – 24;
Penalties – 33%.
Sturm Graz vs Brann: Match Prediction
Sturm Graz have lost their competitive motivation. Therefore, we believe they will not exert maximum effort in this fixture. Moreover, the hosts' current form is unimpressive. In their last 10 Europa League matches Sturm Graz have suffered as many as 8 defeats, and in that run the team failed to score at least one goal on 7 occasions.
By contrast, the Scandinavians, despite being in a low position in the table, are not easy to beat. In their six most recent matches in the current group stage they lost only to Fenerbahce, and that was on their own ground. In their last five Europa League away matches the Norwegian side suffered only 1 defeat (2 wins and 2 draws). Brann also scored in 6 of their last 7 away games in this competition.
Prediction: Brann Draw No Bet
* For each team the starting lineup from their last match in this tournament is indicated.