Prediction Sturm Graz vs Rangers 2025/2026 season – Betting Tips for the Europa League on 02/10/2025

Match context and form

Sturm Graz welcome Rangers to the Merkur Arena on 02/10/2025 in what promises to be a competitive Europa League Group Stage clash. The Austrians arrive with momentum in domestic action, having edged Hartberg 1-0 in their most recent outing. Emir Karic earned the match's top rating for Sturm Graz in that fixture, a sign that the hosts are getting decisive contributions at the right moments. Rangers, too, come off a morale-boosting away win at Livingston, where Nicolas Raskin was singled out as the best player, and the Scottish side will travel confident after that late victory.

Form lines tell an intriguing tale. Sturm Graz’s recent sequence reveals more wins and attacking intent, their string showing six wins in the last ten matches, while Rangers’ campaign has been more uneven with three wins, two draws and five losses in the same span. In European terms both sides have already had a taste of the group stage — Sturm conceded twice in their opening game while Rangers shipped one — so both squads will be keen to pick up points early in Round 2.

Tactical edge and statistical snapshots

The underlying numbers tilt slightly in Sturm Graz’s favour. Both teams average 11 total shots per game in recent fixtures, but Sturm convert more of those into shots on target (four to Rangers’ two) and post a higher attacks average (110 to Rangers’ 90). That suggests the hosts generate volume and penetration from forward plays, which is key at home in an arena that seats 16,764 and can help lift their intensity.

Rangers, meanwhile, are defensively brittle at times in recent matches and have struggled for consistency. Their continental outing saw them concede, and in domestic competition they have surrendered goals in key moments despite the occasional strong performance. Set-piece and corner averages are narrowly split, but Sturm’s recent run of results, combined with their attacking profile at home, gives them the slight edge entering this encounter.

Prediction and betting tip

Expect a lively evening in Graz where Sturm Graz will press aggressively and aim to control the tempo. Rangers will not be passive and can threaten on the break, but the balance of recent form, shots on target and home attacking volume suggests the hosts are better placed to notch a crucial group-stage win here. The market prices support that view: bookmakers list Sturm Graz as the favourite (2.26) ahead of a draw (3.45) and Rangers (2.95), reflecting the perceived home advantage and recent momentum.

Betting suggestion: Back Sturm Graz to win (1X2 market — Home).