Sturm Graz vs Rangers Predicted Lineups

Sturm Graz take on Rangers in a crucial UEFA Europa League fixture at Liebenauer Stadium on Thursday night. Both sides are chasing their first victory in the group stage after disappointing opening matches but head into this clash with renewed confidence following weekend wins in their domestic leagues.

Sturm Graz vs Rangers: Europa League Context

The Austrian side suffered a 2-0 defeat against FC Midtjylland in their opening game but bounced back with a narrow 1-0 win over Hartberg in the Austrian Bundesliga. Meanwhile, Rangers endured a tough loss to Genk after being reduced to 10 men, but responded with a late 2-1 triumph over Livingston in the Scottish Premiership — their first domestic win of the season.

Both managers are dealing with injury setbacks, making predicted lineups a key talking point ahead of this Europa League encounter.

Sturm Graz Team News

Head coach Jürgen Säumel faces several absentees for the European fixture. Axel Kayombo (ankle), Daniil Khudyakov (wrist), Arjan Malic (calf), and Filip Rozga (knock) are all unavailable. Despite the setbacks, Säumel is expected to rotate and freshen up his squad.

Sturm Graz Predicted XI

Starting XI: Christensen; Hierlander, Aiwu, Lavalee, Karic; Stankovic, Beck; Horvat, Jatta, Hodl; Malone.

Substitutes: Bignetti (GK), Geyrhofer, Mitchell, Bendra, Oermann, Weinhandl, Chukwuani, Grgic, Beganovic.

Rangers Team News

Rangers boss Russell Martin also has injury and suspension issues to navigate. Dujon Sterling (Achilles), Rabbi Matondo, and Lyall Cameron (knock) are sidelined, while Mohammed Diomande is suspended after his red card against Genk. In addition, Nedim Bajrami and Kieran Dowell remain ineligible for European competition.

The positive news is the return of Max Aarons, who is available after suspension and is likely to feature after scoring the winner against Livingston.

Rangers Predicted XI

Starting XI: Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Cornelius, Aarons; Raskin, Rothwell, Barron; Antman, Miovski, Gassama.

Substitutes: Wright (GK), Kelly (GK), Djiga, Rice, McCallion, Aasgaard, Moore, Curtis, Danilo, Chermiti.

Martin’s Pre-Match Update

In his press conference, Russell Martin praised his team’s resilience:

“We showed great character at the weekend and the players are giving everything to push the club forward. Tomorrow’s approach is simple — we come here to win.”

Martin also highlighted the squad’s unity, pointing to the celebrations after their late winner against Livingston as a sign of belief and togetherness.

What to Expect in Sturm Graz vs Rangers

With both teams hungry for their first Europa League win, the match promises to be a closely fought contest. Sturm Graz will look to capitalize on home advantage, while Rangers aim to build on their domestic momentum. Injuries and suspensions could play a decisive role, but both sides have attacking options on the bench that could change the game late on.

Conclusion: A Must-Win Fixture

The Sturm Graz vs Rangers clash is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in their Europa League campaigns. Victory could provide a much-needed boost for either side, while a defeat would leave qualification hopes in jeopardy. Fans can expect a tense, tactical battle at Liebenauer Stadium.