Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
Neither team has a chance of progressing any further in the tournament, making this a match primarily about pride. Notably, Sturm Graz were ahead of Leipzig in the standings heading into the new year, while the German side only secured their first win in the seventh round.
Sturm Graz
It’s no surprise that Sturm Graz have ended up outside the play-off zone. Even in the Austrian Bundesliga, they have rarely been outright leaders, so reaching the main stage of the Champions League was already an achievement. However, they currently top their domestic league with a three-point lead. The Austrian season has been on a winter break since mid-December and won’t resume until early February, meaning Sturm should be well-rested but potentially lacking match sharpness.
RB Leipzig
Unlike Sturm, Leipzig have had no break in the Bundesliga and recently played a gruelling match against Bayer Leverkusen. They managed to salvage a 2:2 draw after coming from behind in the second half, but overall, the German side have been underwhelming, failing to win any of their last three matches (one loss, two draws). Defensive issues remain a concern, with 10 goals conceded in their last five games.
Sturm Graz vs RB Leipzig Prediction
Leipzig have a solid four-game unbeaten streak at home, but this is an away fixture. Given their recent struggles and the mental fatigue from their clash with Bayer Leverkusen, they might not have enough to secure a win. A draw or a surprise home win looks like a strong possibility.
