Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Europa League match.
Sean Dyche’s arrival at the helm of Nottingham Forest did not bring an instant and sensational breakthrough. Even so, the new head coach is getting the most out of the situation — his team have deservedly been made favourites for the head-to-head against Sturm Graz, who have struggled for results on the international stage.
Sturm Graz
By early November, the first three rounds of the main phase of the UEFA Europa League brought Sturm Graz only three points — another Austrian heavyweight, Red Bull Salzburg, have none at all. Against Midtjylland (0:2), Rangers (2:1) and Celtic (1:2), the Austrians waited for opponents’ mistakes — creating chances themselves proved difficult. Two weeks ago in Glasgow, the team from Graz collapsed in the middle of the second half: Celtic scored twice within three minutes, and overall the visitors allowed 4.02 xGA from open play.
Nottingham Forest
It was in the third round of the main phase of the UEFA Europa League that Nottingham Forest played their first match under Sean Dyche and immediately defeated Porto (2:0). Despite the absences of Igor Jesus (suspension for yellow cards) and Oleksandr Zinchenko (injury), they looked assured against the Portuguese side, allowing only 0.60 xG. Then the squad held their own against representatives of the Premier League: against Bournemouth they left without points (0:2), but then earned a draw against Manchester United (2:2).
Sturm Graz vs Nottingham Forest Prediction
In Graz, Sturm Graz will be without the suspended starter Tochi Chukwuani. Nottingham Forest have already adapted to working with a shortened rotation, so we recommend a Nottingham Forest win.
