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Champions League debutants Brest will welcome Sturm Graz to the Stade du Roudourou on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 8 pm UK time, marking Brest’s first-ever match in Europe’s elite competition. This clash between the Ligue 1 newcomers and the Austrian champions carries historical significance, with French teams having a strong record at home against Austrian opposition. In 10 previous meetings between French and Austrian clubs in the European Cup, French teams have won all 10, boasting an aggregate score of 16-1.

Brest’s remarkable journey to third place in Ligue 1 last season has allowed them to step into the European spotlight, while Sturm Graz returns to the Champions League after a long absence, having last featured in the competition in the early 2000s. Both teams will look to make a positive start to their campaign, with a passionate atmosphere expected at Brest’s home ground.

Team Analysis:

Brest:

Brest’s rise to the Champions League is a fairytale story, with the club competing in Europe for the first time in their 121-year history. Eric Roy guided Brest to a historic third-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, securing the club’s highest-ever league position. However, Brest’s start to the new campaign has been challenging, with three losses in their first four league matches, including a 3-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain last weekend.

Despite their early struggles this season, Brest remains a dangerous side. Romain Del Castillo continues to be a key player, having scored a penalty against PSG, while Mahdi Camara has found the net in both of Brest’s home matches this season. The Pirates will be without several key players due to injury, including Bradley Locko, Achraf Dari, and Pierre Lees-Melou, but the arrival of Massadio Haidara at left-back provides defensive reinforcement.

Brest’s main challenge will be overcoming their shaky start to the Ligue 1 season and finding their rhythm on the European stage. They have a strong attacking unit, with Ludovic Ajorque and Abdallah Sima expected to join Del Castillo in the frontline. If Brest can tighten up defensively, they have the potential to cause problems for their Austrian opponents.

Sturm Graz:

Sturm Graz makes their return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2000-01 season, benefitting from the competition’s expansion to 36 teams. The Austrian champions secured their first Austrian Bundesliga title in 13 years last season and have carried that form into the current campaign, winning five consecutive domestic matches after losing their season opener to Rapid Vienna.

Manager Christian Ilzer has molded a well-balanced squad, and Sturm Graz’s strength lies in their attacking options. Mika Biereth, a former Arsenal and Fulham youth player, has been in excellent form, scoring four goals in seven games this season. Otar Kiteishvili, the Georgian international, will be the creative force in midfield, while Jon Gorenc Stankovic and Tomi Horvat add stability and energy to the middle of the park.

Defensively, Sturm Graz has been solid but will need to improve their record in European competitions, where they have struggled in recent years. They’ve won just five of their last 26 matches across the Europa League and Europa Conference League. The Austrian side has also lost their opening match in their last three Champions League campaigns, with a concerning aggregate score of 9-0 in those games.

Head-to-Head:

This match marks the first-ever competitive meeting between Brest and Sturm Graz. While Brest is making its debut on the European stage, Sturm Graz has the experience of previous Champions League campaigns but hasn’t progressed past the group stage in any of their past appearances.

Prediction and Betting Tips:

Prediction: While both teams are making their return to European competition in different circumstances, Sturm Graz comes into this match with more experience at this level. Brest’s shaky start to the Ligue 1 season and the absence of key players due to injury may leave them vulnerable, even with home advantage. Sturm Graz’s attacking prowess, particularly with Mika Biereth in form, could see them leave France with a crucial away win.

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Brest 1-2 Sturm Graz.

Justification:
Sturm Graz’s momentum from their domestic form and their experience in European competition give them the edge. Brest’s defensive absences, coupled with their inconsistent form, may see them struggle to contain Graz’s attack.

Betting Markets:

1. Both Teams to Score: Yes
   • Brest’s attacking options, especially at home, should see them score, but their defensive frailties could allow Sturm Graz to find the net as well.
2. Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5
   • Given the attacking talent on both sides, this match is likely to see at least three goals.
3. Hot Stat:
   • Mika Biereth to score anytime. The London-born striker has been in fine form this season and is a likely candidate to get on the scoresheet.
4. Corners Total: Over 9.5 corners
   • Both teams play an attacking style, and the match could see plenty of corner opportunities, especially if both sides press high.

Team News:

Brest:

• Bradley Locko (Achilles), Achraf Dari (ankle), and Pierre Lees-Melou (leg fracture) are all out.
• Massadio Haidara could retain his spot at left-back after making his debut last weekend.
• Mahdi Camara has scored in Brest’s opening two home matches and will continue to anchor the midfield alongside Edimilson Fernandes and Hugo Magnetti.
• Romain Del Castillo, Ludovic Ajorque, and Abdallah Sima are expected to lead the attack.

Sturm Graz:

• Alexandar Borkovic remains sidelined with an ACL injury.
• Manprit Sarkaria has not been included in the Champions League squad and faces an uncertain future after failing to secure a transfer.
• Mika Biereth is likely to start up front, with either Seedy Jatta or William Boving partnering him in attack.
• Otar Kiteishvili will pull the strings in midfield, supported by Jon Gorenc Stankovic and Tomi Horvat.

Probable Lineups:

Brest Starting XI:
Bizot; Lala, Le Cardinal, Chardonnet, Haidara; Magnetti, Fernandes, Camara; Del Castillo, Ajorque, Sima

Sturm Graz Starting XI:
Scherpen; Gazibegovic, Aiwu, Wuthrich, Lavalee; Horvat, Stankovic, Kiteishvili; Zvonarek; Boving, Biereth

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