Sturm count on home advantage, while Rennes are still unbeaten: prediction for Sturm Graz vs Rennes
The first matchday fixture of the Europa League league phase between Sturm and Rennes will take place on September 16 at Merkur Arena. The Austrians will look to capitalize on their strong home record, while the French club return to European competition after a three-year absence and head into the clash unbeaten this season.
Sturm Graz: the team looks far more confident at home
Sturm failed to reach the Champions League league phase after losing to Fenerbahce and will now continue their campaign in the Europa League. In last season’s competition, the Austrians secured two home wins — beating Rangers 2-1 and Brann 1-0.
In 2026, the team have lost just one official home match, against Fenerbahce. Ahead of the clash with Rennes, the hosts also defeated LASK 2-1, a result that should provide an extra boost of confidence.
Rennes: a strong unbeaten start to the season
Francois Pinault’s team began the French championship with three wins and one draw. The standout results include a 2-2 draw with PSG and a 1-0 victory over Marseille.
At the same time, the defense has not always looked reliable — they have kept just one clean sheet in four rounds. Esteban Lepaul remains the main threat up front, although he failed to score in the two matches leading up to the trip to Austria.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Sturm have lost just one official home match in 2026.
- Rennes have suffered no defeats in their first four league matches.
- The French side have kept a clean sheet in only one of their four matches this season.
Home advantage could level the playing field: prediction for Sturm Graz vs Rennes
Rennes look more consistent in terms of current form and boast the stronger squad, but the trip to Graz is unlikely to be straightforward. Sturm are traditionally far more convincing at home and can make this a fiercely contested encounter. The visitors have enough quality to score, but their struggles to keep clean sheets give the hosts a strong chance of finding the net in response.
