SK Sturm Graz (home)
- SK Sturm Graz have won two and lost two of their last five games (all competitions).
- Sturm Graz are among the Austrian Bundesliga leaders with 28 points from 16 games as of early December.
- Sturm Graz operate with a narrow diamond or 4-4-2 mid-block with a high counter-pressing game, but are usually compact enough to stifle opponents when they sit back.
- The set-piece prowess of Otar Kiteishvili, Sturm’s creative hub, is a big weapon, but his fitness will be monitored this week and the hosts should also rotate their squad.
- Midfield maestra Tomi Horvat creates the chances while Maurice Malone and Seedy Jatta provide pace and penetration for Sturm, who overcame Grazer AK 2-1 in the league last time out. In terms of SK Sturm Graz vs FK Red Star Belgrade (Crvena Zvezda) betting tips, the dynamic play of Malone and Jatta could be a factor for those looking for value in attacking markets.
- They also lost 3-1 away at WSG Tirol on Tuesday.
FK Red Star Belgrade (away)
- Red Star have won three of their last five.
- Red Star are second in the Serbian SuperLiga with 41 points from 18 games, two behind their rivals.
- Vladan Milojević’s side have won back-to-back Europa League games against Lille (1-0) and FCSB (1-0).
- Their 4-2-3-1 formation employs high full-backs and a double pivot system that provides control in the build-up and selective high-pressing, but they can also overload wide areas, particularly in domestic games.
- Red Star are dominant in Serbia's top-flight with Serbian SuperLiga’s top scorer Aleksandar Katai their chief offensive threat, but Mirko Ivanić, Bruno Duarte and Marko Arnautović all add goals and creativity.
Head-to-Head
- These two teams have played two exhibition matches that finished 1-1 apiece this year, but when it comes to the SK Sturm Graz vs FK Red Star Belgrade (Crvena Zvezda) prediction, competitive stakes may change the rhythm entirely.
- This will be their first competitive meeting.
Key Players
- The set-piece prowess of Otar Kiteishvili, Sturm’s creative hub, is a big weapon.
- Midfield maestra Tomi Horvat creates the chances.
- Maurice Malone and Seedy Jatta provide pace and penetration for Sturm.
- Serbian SuperLiga’s top scorer Aleksandar Katai is Red Star’s chief offensive threat.
- Mirko Ivanić, Bruno Duarte and Marko Arnautović all add goals and creativity for Red Star.
Betting Insights
- Sturm Graz are 3.09 to win this Thursday’s game, which is a little high when compared to Red Star’s 2.33 favorite odds. For those considering SK Sturm Graz vs FK Red Star Belgrade (Crvena Zvezda) betting tips, these odds may present good value based on squad news and recent form.
- Discipline could play a part in this clash with Red Star’s F. Tebo Uchenna facing a potential UEFA suspension after a recent red card and Sturm monitoring Kiteishvili’s fitness.
- The over 2.5 goals at 1.66 looks a reasonable bet with Sturm Graz pressing and Red Star countering.
Prediction
- Their first competitive meeting is expected to be close.
- Red Star arrive here as favourites to nick this game.
