Read our prediction for Sturm Graz vs Haugesund below. This preview was written by a sport journalist who is specialised in betting tips and predictions. Use our betting tips for the match between Sturm Graz vs Haugesund and you can increase your winnings!
Sturm Graz vs Haugesund Prediction & Betting tips
A ghost play in front of 3,000 spectators! Due to the cup throw in the past season storm Graz was condemned to a ghost play, however the gates are opened for children and thus there is nevertheless no completely empty house in the Merkur arena. Fan support would be particularly important, because in the return match between Sturm Graz and Haugesund from Norway, the Styrians need an outstanding performance to prevent the Aus!
Arguments that advocate the advancement of the Austrian representative are difficult to find after the first leg. Sturm was disappointed all along the line and had to be defeated against the Scandinavian no-name club deservedly deserved. In addition, the enormously important away goal was missed. Sturm faces a fine line between risk and safety in the second leg. A strike by the Norwegians would mean that Sturm would have to score at least four times. However, a victory for the five-year rating would be important – at least the bookmakers see good chances here. On the three-way market Sturm Graz against Haugesund according to current quotas is considered a clear favorite. The game starts on Thursday at 19:30.
Sturm Graz:
Sturm and the international games – a relationship that is far from successful. The Blackies also disgraced themselves this year. After the indisputable appearance in the previous year against AEK Larnaca from Cyprus, the team of Neo-trainer Nestor El Maestro presented in Norway by no means from the best side. The euphoria that came with the change of coach has long since disappeared. The weak results in preparation (0: 3 against Akhmat Grozny, only 3: 3 against second division Kapfenberg) have probably not deceived.
Due to the weak performance in Norway Sturm Graz had already sprayed in the first Bundesliga game a little pressure. Sporting director Günther Kreissl was visibly relieved after the 3-0 home victory against SKN Sankt Pölten, so that the team could not be immediately accused of a crisis. In fact, not only the responsible people were satisfied, but also the fans. Refreshing offensive football, plenty of momentum, goal hunger and a solid defensive – the performance against the Lower Austrians has encouraged and laced hopes among the fans that in the second leg but still something is possible.
Especially the game forward worked much better and the Blackies always had good chances. Thorsten Röcher and Philipp Huspek – who moved into the team in comparison to Thursday – were able to do self-promotion. Both are expected on Thursday in the starting lineup and with solo leader Thorsten Röcher confidence is clearly felt. The performance on Sunday makes any case courage and leaves between Sturm Graz and Haugesund a forecast on the hosts with a clear conscience.
Haugesund:
The Norwegian Elitserien is currently in the “summer break”. In the all-season championship was currently rested for two weeks, the ball in the national championship, before it goes on next weekend again. With that, the team of head coach Jostein Grindhaug could prepare in the last days with full concentration on the guest performance in the Merkur Arena in Graz. After the first leg victory a retirement for the current league table of the Norwegian league would be a big disappointment. There is indeed a lot for the guests from Norway, but the Grindhaug-Elf should not feel too safe either.
Never before could FK Haugesund win two knockout matches in a row on the international stage. After the sovereign progress against Cliftonville this opportunity exists on Thursday. Both 2014/15 and 2017/18 finished in the second knockout round. A game against PSV Eindhoven waiting in the third round would certainly be an absolute career highlight for many players at Haugesund.
Great changes in the root formation can not be expected on Thursday – if only because of the fact that the Norwegians have no real alternatives. In the first leg against Sturm Graz only five players on the bench took place. Especially in the defensive weigh the defeats of Ben Karamoko, Alexander Stölas and youngster Dennis Hormeland hard.
The Norwegians will probably be extremely defensive in Graz and try to keep the goalless draw as long as possible. The away record in the current championship is balanced by three wins, one draw and three defeats. Nevertheless, the role as a clear outsider in the Merkur Arena is justified; we can not imagine another storm embarrassment. To that end, we advise against Sturm Graz and Haugesund from a tip on the guests.
Sturm Graz vs Haugesund head to head matches
25.07.19 EL Haugesund Sturm Graz 2 : 0