Sturm Graz vs RB Leipzig: Match Preview, Predictions & Lineups

Fixture: Sturm Graz vs RB Leipzig

Date: Wednesday, 29 January 2025

Kick-off Time: 20:00 CET

Venue: Wörthersee Stadion, Klagenfurt

Competition: UEFA Champions League, Matchday 8

Sturm Graz hosts RB Leipzig in their final UEFA Champions League league phase fixture. Both teams are mathematically eliminated from advancing to the knockout rounds, with three points each. This encounter serves as an opportunity for both clubs to end their European campaigns on a positive note.

This is the first official meeting between Sturm Graz and Leipzig in UEFA competitions.

• Wins: 1
• Draws: 1
• Losses: 7
• Goals For: 7
• Goals Against: 17
• Home Record: W1 D0 L3
  

• Wins: 0
• Draws: 0
• Losses: 2
• Goals For: 2
• Goals Against: 4
  

• Last 5 Matches (All Competitions): L-L-W-D-W
• Most Recent Result: Atalanta 5-0 Sturm Graz (UEFA Champions League)
• Key Stat: Sturm has lost six of their seven Champions League matches this season, with their sole victory coming at home against Girona (1-0).
  

• Last 5 Matches (All Competitions): D-W-D-L-W
• Most Recent Champions League Result: Leipzig 2-1 Sporting CP (UEFA Champions League)
• Key Stat: Leipzig recorded their first win of the league phase on Matchday 7 but has lost all three of their away matches this season in Europe.
  

Formation: Likely 4-4-2 under Jürgen Säumel.

Key Players:

• William Bøving: A creative midfielder with European experience; essential for unlocking Leipzig’s defence.
• Gregory Wüthrich: Experienced centre-back tasked with managing Leipzig’s dynamic forwards.
• Otar Kiteishvili: Despite Sturm’s poor form the Georgian midfielder has produced some decent displays in the Champions League. 

Injuries/Suspensions:

• Malick Yalcouye and Tochi Chukwuani are one booking away from suspension.
• Alexandar Borkovic: Ruled out due to a cruciate ligament tear. 
• Max Johnston: Ruled out due to a muscle injury

Formation: Expected 4-2-3-1 under Marco Rose.

Key Players:

• Benjamin Šeško: The Slovenian striker has scored four goals in this season's competition, leading Leipzig's attack.
• Christoph Baumgartner: A versatile midfielder who has contributed two goals in the league phase.
• Péter Gulácsi: The Hungarian goalkeeper will be critical in maintaining Leipzig’s defensive stability.

Injuries/Suspensions:

• David Raum and Benjamin Henrichs are one booking away from suspension.
• André Silva: Doubtful due to a calf problem.
• Xaver Schlager: Doubtful due to a knee problem.
• Assan Ouédraogo: Ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
• Benjamin Henrichs: Ruled out due to an Achilles injury.
  

Sturm Graz will likely focus on maintaining defensive discipline and counter-attacking through Bøving. With limited success against German clubs historically, they will need to capitalise on set-piece opportunities. Their pressing game and physicality in midfield could disrupt Leipzig’s rhythm.

Leipzig will rely on their pace and technical superiority, using Šeško as a target man to link up with Baumgartner and Antonio Nusa. Their high-pressing system under Marco Rose could exploit Sturm’s occasional defensive lapses, particularly in transition.

Sturm Graz 0-2 RB Leipzig

Leipzig's superior squad depth and attacking options should help them secure a comfortable victory, even on the road. Sturm’s struggles against German clubs in Europe are likely to continue.

Sturm Graz’s last win against German opposition came in 1983 when they defeated Lokomotive Leipzig 2-0 at home.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.