Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Europa League match.
At the weekend Sturm Graz passed a major test in the Austrian Bundesliga, defeating fellow Europa League participants Salzburg (2:0). Now they must begin their own European campaign with a tough trip to Denmark to face Midtjylland.
Midtjylland
Last season the Danish side reached the Europa League play-off round, where they were comprehensively beaten by Real Sociedad (1:2, 2:5). This time they came through qualifying impressively, knocking out Hibernian, Fredrikstad and KuPS without losing a single game – five wins and a draw, with a goal difference of +11. Midtjylland look formidable right now. Their only slip so far this season was a 0:1 league defeat away to Nordsjælland.
Sturm Graz
Sturm Graz have been far less consistent. They already have two defeats in the Austrian Bundesliga, both at home, against Rapid Vienna (1:2) and Austria Vienna (0:1). Their European qualifying campaign was also disappointing, as they were swept aside 0:5 by Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League. Last year’s group-stage experience in that competition may have given them confidence, but results suggest Sturm Graz are struggling to maintain that standard.
Midtjylland vs Sturm Graz Prediction
Midtjylland are especially strong at home, where they have scored 25 goals across eight matches this season – averaging more than three per game. With that kind of firepower, they look well placed to overpower Sturm Graz and make a winning start.
