It is a clash between already eliminated teams as Sturm Graz host RB Leipzig in their final league phase fixture in the UEFA Champions League. With nothing at stake, an open contest could be on the cards although the Germans are likely to come out on top.
Sturm Graz are already eliminated from the Champions League having struggled to cope with the quality in the competition. They have claimed just one win so far and were hammered 5-0 by Atalanta in their previous fixture.
With the Austrian Bundesliga still on break, Sturm Graz’s last taste of competitive action was in December. Jurgen Samuel’s team have mostly been involved in friendlies and will go into Wednesday’s clash off the back of three defeats and a draw in their last four matches in all competitions.
RB Leipzig have been disappointing in this season’s Champions League and will only be playing for pride on Wednesday. Marco Rose’s team have won just once in the competition, although that win came in their previous fixture as they beat Sporting CP 2-1 last week.
The Germans have been a bit erratic lately, with two wins from their last five matches in all competitions and played out a 2-2 home draw with Bayer Leverkusen last weekend. They have also been involved in a few high-scoring fixtures and have seen over 3.5 goals in two of their last three away matches in the Champions League.
How the bookies view it: Leipzig backed
RB Leipzig have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 11/10 by BoyleSports to claim the win. A victory for Sturm Graz is valued at 11/5 by BoyleSports who are also offering odds of 5/2 for a draw.
Head to head: No previous meetings
This will be the first ever meeting between Sturm Graz and RB Leipzig.
Players to watch: Sesko looking sharp
Benjamin Sesko is attracting interest across Europe for his impressive performances this season and should be the one to watch on Wednesday. The forward has seven goals in the last nine matches in all competitions and is priced at 7/5 by BoyleSports to maintain his scoring run.
With Mika Biereth moving to Monaco, Sturm Graz will look to Otar Kiteishvili to provide the spark going forward. The striker has six Austrian Bundesliga goals this season and is priced at 10/3 by BoyleSports to get on the score sheet on Wednesday.
Probable line-ups
Seedy Jatta was a halftime substitute last time out at Atalanta and could be handed a start on Wednesday. Kiteishvili should retain his place in the team while Emanuel Aiwu is expected to continue at the back.
RB Leipzig are without Xaver Schlager, Andre Silva and Benjamin Henrichs who are all sidelined with injury. Amadou Haidara should earn a start after coming off the bench at the weekend while Openda and Sesko should partner up front.
Sturm Graz: Scherpen, Malic, Aiwu, Wuthrich, Lavalee, Yalcouye, Gorenc Stankovic, Chukwuani, Jatta, Kiteishvili, Boving
RB Leipzig: Gulacsi, Raum, Bitshiabu, Orban, Klostermann, Simons, Kampl, Haidara, Nusa, Openda, Sesko
Anything else catch the eye?
RB Leipzig have seen over 3.5 goals in two of their last three matches in all competitions and a repeat is valued at 6/4 with BoyleSports. With no pressure in this one, a fast start can be expected and both teams are likely to score in the first half at 13/5 with BoyleSports.
The Germans appear to have the superior attacking quality and can be backed to score first at 3/4 with BoyleSports.
This UEFA Champions League match between Sturm Graz and RB Leipzig will be played on Jan 29, 2025 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Sturm Graz vs RB Leipzig prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
