Sturm Graz vs Hearts predictions as Evening News writers assess how Champions League showdown will pan out
Here’s how our writers see the match between Sturm Graz and Hearts going.
Hearts are in Austria tonight as they face Sturm Graz in the second round of Champions League qualifying.
The Jambos are hoping to take a positive result back with them to the return leg at Tynecastle next week but face a difficult challenge. Sturm Graz have been European regulars in recent seasons with the likes of Fenerbahce or Benfica awaiting the pair in this clash across Champions League and Europa League third round qualifiers depending how it goes.
Our writers have made their selections ahead of this one. Here is how we think Sturm Graz vs Hearts will pan out.
Mark Atkinson - Sturm Graz 1-1 Hearts
“Having Hearts back in Champions League football for the first time in 20 years is a milestone moment and I do think this tie is not beyond Wouter Vrancken's men. Key to it is how they have adapted to a new coach's methods and gelled the new signings together. The Austrians have had their issues during pre-season and Hearts must take advantage by securing a positive result in Austria. A narrow defeat to take back to Tynecastle - where they haven't lost in a year - would fall into that category, but I think they can go one step better and get a draw.”
Lewis Anderson - Sturm Graz 1-1 Hearts
Hearts arrive in Austria buoyed by the occasion after a 20-year wait to return to this stage, but Sturm Graz are a tough nut to crack in European competition. The key for Vrancken's side will be maintaining defensive discipline, especially early on, while looking to exploit any space in behind on the counter-attack. New signings need to gel quickly, but I think the experience running through the Jambos squad will see them earn a positive result to take back to Tynecastle.
Ben Banks - Sturm Graz 2-3 Hearts
“I’ve had a first-hand view at Hearts’ last three friendlies, and while they are perhaps a touch vulnerable at the back as adjustments to Vrancken’s system are made, they look primed to be electric in attack. Their hosts are strong at home so it will be tight but this could become a shootout against a side who were left to rue defending at times in their pre-season. Jambos by a goal and a famous night on the continent.”
Barry Anderson - Sturm Graz 2-2 Hearts
“There is no question Hearts will be capable of causing Sturm Graz some problems under Vrancken's attacking gameplan. They are capable of scoring goals in Austria but must work to avoid conceding them. The addition of Amadou Ba-Sy will be a welcome boost just over 24 hours before the match. There is a lot riding on every qualifying tie at this level but Hearts know they have safety nets in the Europa League and Conference League if required. That takes an element of pressure off. Having waited 20 years to get back competing at this stage, they will want to make an impression and earn a result to take back to Edinburgh.”
Ally Gordon - Sturm Graz 1-1 Hearts
“Hearts players should need no extra motivation for this one with a chance to prove themselves to new gaffer Wouter Vrancken on the European stage. The manner of the promising result in the friendly against Rayo Vallecano indicates that despite several changes in personnel, the Jambos continue to carry an attacking threat. For this reason, I think they’ll get on the scoresheet, but keeping out the five-time Austrian champions at the stadium where they haven’t since December presents an entirely different challenge.”