Feyenoord vs Sturm Graz prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups - 22 January 2026
One of the seventh-round matches of the Europa League group stage will take place on Thursday at De Kuip Stadium in Rotterdam, where the local Feyenoord will host Austria's Sturm Graz. Both teams are teetering on the brink of elimination from European competitions, and a defeat will all but rule out the loser from playoff contention. I'm backing a bet on goals in this clash, with an enticing odds offer.
Match preview
Rotterdam's side are enduring a disappointing European campaign—just one win in six rounds and a painful 3-4 loss to FCSB in their last match. Their home form has also been lacking: Robin van Persie's men haven't celebrated a victory since December, and are still searching for their first win in 2026. Despite this, Feyenoord retain attacking firepower and can count on the backing of their home crowd, a traditional boost for the team.
Injuries remain a major headache, with a string of key players sidelined, including Trauner, Beelen, and Moder. Hope, however, is pinned on young star Shaqueel van Persie, the head coach's son, who bagged a brace in the derby against Sparta and could start from the opening whistle. The team will rely on Ueda in attack but must improve their organization in midfield.
The Austrian club have also struggled in the Europa League—just four points from six matches, and a lack of match practice following the winter break could prove costly. Before the pause, they lost four of their last six games, although their position in the domestic league remains decent, trailing Salzburg by only four points. Getting back into rhythm without competitive fixtures is a tough challenge.
Sturm Graz are facing defensive personnel issues, with a number of key defenders, including Lavalée and Borković, ruled out. The coaching staff are forced to experiment with makeshift pairings, which leaves the side vulnerable. Up front, the emphasis is on the pace and tenacity of Jatta, but without solid midfield support, his task won't be easy.
Probable lineups
- Feyenoord: Wellenreuther, Lotomba, Watanabe, Ahmedhodžić, Bos, Hwang, Timber, Borges, Stengs, Sauer, Ueda
- Sturm Graz: Kristensen, Mitchell, Aiwue, Geyrhofer, Karic, Gorenc-Stankovic, Chukwuani, Rozga, Kiteishvili, Malone, Jatta
Match facts and head-to-head
- Both teams are in the Europa League drop zone, separated by just a single point.
- Feyenoord are winless in their last six matches across all competitions.
- Sturm lost four of their final six matches before the winter break.
Prediction
This promises to be a tense encounter, with both sides under immense pressure and struggling for form. Nevertheless, Feyenoord boast a higher-quality squad and will play at home backed by their supporters. That could prove decisive in a tight contest. Recent matches involving these teams have seen plenty of goals, and this one is unlikely to be an exception.
