"Jurgen Säumel's side sit three points behind leaders Red Bull Salzburg with a game in hand, yet recent domestic form has been worrying-two straight defeats to Wolfsberger (3-1) and Rapid Wien (2-1) despite leading at halftime in the latter. In Europe, Sturm Graz have collected just three points from their opening three matches, beating Rangers 2-1 at home but losing to Midtjylland (2-0) and Celtic (2-1)."
"Sturm Graz are without Max Johnston (hamstring) and Belmin Beganovic (ankle), while Alexandar Borkovic is ineligible. Tochi Chukwuani is suspended after his red card against Celtic, so Filip Rozga or Julius Beck may deputize in midfield alongside Jon Gorenc Stankovic and Tomi Horvat. Kiteishvili, the club's top scorer with eight goals this season, will be key in attack. Expect Sturm Graz to press aggressively and rely on Otar Kiteishvili's creativity to unlock Forest's defense."
The Merkur Arena will host a crucial Europa League group match as Austrian champions Sturm Graz welcome Nottingham Forest. Sturm Graz retained last season's Austrian Bundesliga title but have started inconsistently, sitting three points behind Red Bull Salzburg with a game in hand and suffering recent domestic defeats. In Europe they have three points from three matches and sit 27th in the 36-team table. Injuries and a suspension affect selection, with Otar Kiteishvili, the club's top scorer with eight goals, expected to lead the attack. Sean Dyche's Forest prioritise "effective football"; their debut delivered a 2-0 win over Porto, though domestic struggles persist.
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