Sturm Graz vs Crvena zvezda: Which team will take the upper hand in the playoff race?
The sixth round of the UEFA Europa League brings us a decisive clash between Sturm Graz and Crvena zvezda. The match will be played on Thursday, December 11, kicking off at 18:45 CET, and here is a breakdown of what to expect.
Sturm Graz vs Crvena zvezda: Match preview and head-to-head
- Sturm have won only two of their last eight matches.
- Crvena zvezda have claimed victory in three of their previous four games.
- Sturm Graz have scored at least one goal in six straight matches.
- In 45% of their games this season, Crvena zvezda score in both halves.
- Crvena zvezda have lost only 10% of their matches without scoring, while Sturm’s rate is 12%.
- Sturm have more clean-sheet victories this season: 31% compared to Crvena zvezda’s 24%.
- The sides have met once before, playing out a 1–1 draw.
Sturm Graz vs Crvena zvezda: Match preview
Sturm Graz currently sit outside the playoff zone and are fighting to break into the top 24. The Austrian side have suffered defeats against Midtjylland, Celtic and Panathinaikos, drawn with Nottingham Forest, and beaten Rangers. As a result, they have four points and trail 24th place by just two. With three rounds remaining in the League Phase, Sturm still have a realistic shot at reaching the Round of 32 — but they must start winning.
Crvena zvezda, meanwhile, are inside the top 24 but their position is far from secure. The Serbian giants have beaten FCSB 1–0, Lille 1–0 and drawn 1–1 with Celtic, but also lost twice. They arrive at this final round with seven points from five matches and occupy 22nd place. Their advantage over 25th is a single point, so they must continue picking up results to stay in the top 24. At the same time, they sit only three points behind eighth place, which keeps the door open for a potential direct ticket to the Round of 16.
Probable line-ups
- Sturm Graz: Christensen; Mitchell, Aiwu, Geyrhofer, Karic; Gorenc-Stanković, Chukwuani, Rozga, Kiteishvili; Malone, Jatta
- Red Star: Matheus; Seol, Veljkovic, Rodrigão, Tiknizyan; Krunic, Elsnik, Handel, Katai, Ivanic; Arnautovic
Prediction
Both teams need a win, which sets the stage for a lively, open contest. Expect goals at both ends — both sides to score looks the most appealing option.
