Nottingham Forest will travel to the Merkur Arena on Thursday night for a Europa League phase clash against Austrian champions Sturm Graz, as both sides look to revive their continental campaigns.
Sean Dyche’s team currently sit 17th in the standings after three matches, but their hopes of avoiding the knockout play-offs were reignited by a 2-0 victory over Porto last month — Dyche’s first and only win since taking charge. Forest head into this fixture following a 2-2 home draw with Manchester United, a result that highlighted both their attacking promise and defensive fragility.
Sturm Graz, meanwhile, find themselves 10 places below their Premier League visitors, with just one win — against Rangers — and two defeats from their opening three Europa League fixtures. Their domestic form has also taken a hit, with back-to-back Bundesliga losses to Rapid Vienna and Wolfsberger leaving them well off the title pace.
Team News
For the hosts, Matteo Bignetti is expected to return in goal after being benched for the 2-1 defeat at Rapid Vienna. Emanuel Aiwu and Seedy Jatta could also be recalled to the starting lineup, replacing Arjan Malic and Axel Kayombo. Tim Oermann and Dimitri Lavalee are set to anchor the defence, while Georgian playmaker Otar Kiteishvili remains key in midfield.
Forest, however, are dealing with multiple injury concerns. Douglas Luiz and Callum Hudson-Odoi are doubtful after sustaining hamstring and knock issues, respectively, during the weekend’s draw with Manchester United. Chris Wood is nearing a return from a knee injury but is unlikely to be risked. Defenders Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ola Aina also remain sidelined, leaving Dyche short of full-back options.
Key Stats
Forest have scored exactly two goals in five of their last ten matches.
Sturm Graz have conceded two or more goals in four of their previous five outings.
The Tricky Trees have not kept a clean sheet away from home this season.
Sturm have lost their last four matches against English opposition, all against Manchester United.
Forest have conceded nine league goals from set-pieces this campaign.
Prediction
While this tie would normally favor Nottingham Forest, Dyche’s limited squad options could make the trip to Austria tricky. Still, Sturm Graz’s poor recent form offers the Premier League side an opportunity to take control of their Europa League destiny.
Forest’s defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern, but their attacking creativity — led by Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus — should be enough to secure an important away result.
Predicted Outcome: Sturm Graz 1–2 Nottingham Forest
