Match Preview
Sturm Graz head into this clash as reigning Austrian Bundesliga champions, having clinched their second straight title in 2024-25, finishing just two points clear of RB Salzburg.
They have begun their title defence strongly, winning five of their opening seven league games while losing two, which places them second in the table—two points behind leaders Rapid Vienna with a game in hand. In the cup, Sturm have also been efficient, recording victories over SK Bischofshofen and SC Rothis to advance in the OFB Cup.
However, their domestic success has not translated to Europe. Sturm were knocked out of the Champions League playoffs by Bodo/Glimt with a heavy 6-1 aggregate defeat, before falling to Midtjylland in their Europa League group opener. Manager Jurgen Säumel will be eager for a response against Rangers, though home form has been mixed, with two wins and two defeats at Merkur Arena so far.
They may take encouragement from Rangers’ turbulent start to the 2025-26 campaign. The Scottish side have managed just five wins in 15 matches under Russell Martin, drawing five and losing five. Their European journey has been rocky, with early promise in qualifiers against Panathinaikos and Viktoria Plzen undone by a humiliating 9-1 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League playoff round, including a crushing 6-0 second-leg loss. Their Europa League campaign also began poorly with defeat to Genk.
Domestic struggles have followed suit, as Rangers failed to win any of their opening five league matches—drawing four before falling to Hearts. They have at least progressed to the Scottish League Cup semi-finals and finally secured their first league victory of the season in dramatic fashion, edging Livingston 2-1 thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Max Aarons. Despite that, discontent among supporters remains high, with Martin under mounting pressure.
Another victory in Europe could ease tensions, but Rangers’ fragile away form—just one win on the road this season—will concern them ahead of this test.
Team News:
Sturm Graz will be without Arjan Malic (calf), Axel Kayombo (ankle) and Daniil Khudyakov (wrist). Säumel may rotate after the Midtjylland defeat, with Jacob Hodl, Stefan Hierländer and Julius Beck pushing for starts.
Rangers remain without Dujon Sterling (Achilles), Lyall Cameron (calf) and Rabbi Matondo (unspecified injury), while Mohamed Diomande is suspended after his red card against Genk. Derek Cornelius and Jayden Meghoma are also injury doubts, which could open the door for Max Aarons and Nasser Djiga to start.
Probable Lineups:
Sturm Graz: Christensen; Hierländer, Aiwu, Lavallee, Karic; Stankovic, Beck; Horvat, Jatta, Hodl; Malone
Rangers: Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Djiga, Aarons; Raskin, Barron, Aasgaard; Antman, Miovski, Gassama
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