Celtic vs Sturm Graz Prediction & Betting Tips (23 October)

Celtic enter their Europa League clash against Sturm Graz with a mix of urgency and optimism. Brendan Rodgers’ side has had a turbulent European campaign, having been relegated to the Europa League after a shock penalty shootout loss to Kairat Almaty in the Champions League qualifiers. Domestically, they are chasing Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, trailing by five points after a narrow 3-2 win over Motherwell and a recent fixture against Dundee. Injuries have disrupted their rhythm, with Daizen Maeda sidelined following international duty. Rodgers has made tactical tweaks, notably recalling Yang to the starting XI, a player whose summer exit was narrowly avoided due to transfer complications. Celtic’s midfield remains their engine, with Callum McGregor and Paulo Bernardo expected to anchor the tempo.

Sturm Graz, meanwhile, arrive in Glasgow with growing confidence. Under Jurgen Saumel’s guidance, the Austrian side has shown resilience in their Europa League outings, notably defeating Rangers 2-1 earlier this month. Tomi Horvat and Otar Kiteishvili have emerged as key attacking threats, combining flair with clinical finishing. Their domestic form has been solid, and their Europa League stats reflect a balanced approach—averaging one goal per match while maintaining a respectable passing accuracy of 77%. Despite conceding three goals in two matches, their defensive structure has held firm under pressure. Sturm Graz’s squad depth, particularly in midfield, allows them to rotate effectively, and their ability to recover possession quickly has been a standout feature in recent fixtures.

The tactical battle between Rodgers and Saumel promises to be compelling. Celtic will likely dominate possession, as they’ve averaged over 53% in their European matches, but Sturm Graz’s counter-attacking style could exploit any defensive lapses. The Austrian side’s ability to press high and transition swiftly was evident in their win over Rangers, and they’ll aim to replicate that intensity at Celtic Park. For Celtic, the challenge lies in converting possession into goals, especially with Maeda absent. The return of Yang adds unpredictability, and Iheanacho’s presence up front could be pivotal. Both teams have shown vulnerability in defense, which suggests a high-tempo, open contest is on the cards.

As anticipation builds for Thursday night’s showdown, the margins appear razor-thin. Celtic’s home advantage and deeper squad may tilt the balance, but Sturm Graz’s recent form and tactical discipline make them formidable opponents. Expect a match filled with momentum swings, midfield duels, and moments of brilliance. Given the current trajectory of both teams and their recent performances, a 2-1 scoreline in favor of Celtic seems the most plausible outcome. It reflects their slight edge in quality and experience, while acknowledging Sturm Graz’s capacity to strike and stay competitive throughout the ninety minutes.