Atalanta will be seeking their third straight win in Group D of the Europa League as they travel to Sturm Graz on Thursday. The Bergamo club are likely to be given a stern test by their hosts but should have that extra bit of quality to claim the upper hand.
Sturm Graz picked up a 1-0 victory at Rakow Czestochowa last time out in the Europa League with William Boving's first half effort proving to be the difference. It was a solid way to bounce back having suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Sporting CP on match-day one.
Beyond their erratic start to the Europa League, Sturm Graz have generally been in good form lately, winning their last six matches across all competitions. They warmed up for the visit of Atalanta with a come from behind 2-1 win over Hartberg in an Austrian Bundesliga fixture last weekend.
Sturm Graz may have won at Rakow Czestochowa but their overall record in European Competition has been less than stellar. Christian Ilzer’s men have lost two of their last three Europa League matches, a run that includes a home defeat to Sporting CP.
It has been smooth sailing for Atalanta so far in the Europa League having won their opening two Group D matches. Having picked up a 2-0 home victory in their opening fixture, they travelled to Sporting CP for a 2-1 win last time out.
Atalanta head into Thursday’s clash off the back of a 2-0 victory over Genoa in a Serie A fixture last weekend. After a difficult opening period, they came to life in the second half with efforts from Ademola Lookman and Ederson earning them the win.
That result means Atalanta are now unbeaten in six of their last seven matches across all competitions, claiming five wins in that run. They have also won two of their last three away matches, a run that includes the victory at Sporting CP on match-day one.
How the bookies view it
Atalanta have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at evens with 888Sport to claim the win. Sturm Graz are considered outsiders with a home win priced at 3/1 by bet365 while a draw is set at odds of 29/10 by William Hill.
Head to head
This will be the first ever meeting between Sturm Graz and Atalanta.
Players to watch
William Boving carries a major goal threat from midfield and has scored in both Europa League matches. He could be worth keeping an eye on and is priced at 12/5 by bet365 to find the net on Thursday.
Ademola Lookman has caught the eye for Atalanta in recent weeks and could be worth keeping an eye on. The Nigeria attacker was on target last weekend and could be backed to get on the score sheet on Thursday at 49/20 with Unibet.
Anything else catch the eye?
Sturm Graz and Atalanta have attacking quality and with neither side particularly convincing at the back, both teams could be backed to score at 7/10 with bet365. The Serie A side have seen over 2.5 goals in their last three matches across all competitions and a repeat is priced at 17/20 with bet365, who is also offering odds of 11/5 on over 3.5 goals.
A cagey opening could be on the cards on Thursday which means both teams could be backed to score in the second half at 9/4 with bet365.
This UEFA Europa League match between Sturm Graz and Atalanta will be played on Oct 26, 2023 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Sturm Graz vs Atalanta prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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