- 1 Sturm Graz vs Hearts : Austrians look to strike early
- 2 Sturm Graz aim to keep the momentum rolling
- 3 Hearts finally return to the European stage
- 4 Probable line-ups :
- 5 Champions League prediction: Sturm Graz vs Hearts
- 6 First, a word on our predictions
- 7 No commitment from us
- 8 Information can change
- 9 Your role
- 10 Responsible gambling first
- 11 Legal age
- 12 About the visuals
Sturm Graz vs Hearts : Austrians look to strike early 
The second qualifying round of the Champions League marks the real start of the European season for Sturm Graz and Hearts. A win would open the door to another round, while a slip-up would already make the continental road a lot harder for both clubs. In that context, the first leg in Austria carries real weight.
Sturm Graz are back in a competition they now know well, while Hearts are playing Champions League qualifying for the first time in nearly 20 years. The Scots arrive with ambition, but they will need to find their feet quickly against a side that has far more experience at this level.
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Sturm Graz aim to keep the momentum rolling 
Last season’s Austrian runners-up, Sturm Graz continue to move forward on the European stage. Regulars in UEFA competition over recent years, they come into this campaign with more belief than in previous outings. The form from pre-season backs that up too, with a string of encouraging displays and confidence clearly building ahead of the first competitive fixtures.
Fabio Ingolitsch can lean on a side that knows its jobs inside out. They have lost only one of their last 20 matches and are on a three-game winning run, including a victory over Pogon Szczecin sealed by Axel Kayombo. At home, Sturm Graz have also shown signs of progress after too often dropping points in front of their own fans last season.
Amady Camara’s absence is a blow, but Kayombo, Seedy Jatta and Otar Kiteishvili give them enough going forward to put the Scottish defence under pressure. Backed by their own crowd, Sturm Graz will be looking to build a lead before the return leg.
Hearts finally return to the European stage 
This tie is the sort of night the whole club has been waiting for. Hearts have not played Champions League qualifying for two decades and will be hoping to write a fresh chapter in their European story. Wouter Vrancken’s arrival in the dugout also signals the start of a new project after Derek McInnes moved on.
Pre-season ended on a high with an impressive win over Rayo Vallecano. That should bring a lift, although away form remains a concern. Since the start of the year, Hearts have often struggled on the road and will need to show a very different side of themselves if they want to come back from Austria with anything.
Claudio Braga should lead the line with support from Calvin Miller, Sabri Guendouz and Alexandros Kyziridis. In midfield, Tom Renaud and Oisin McEntee will have a huge job trying to hold back Sturm Graz’s attacks and keep Hearts in the contest.
Probable line-ups :
Sturm Graz : Khudyakov; Vallci, Mitchell, Koller; Hodl, Weinhandl, Gorenc Stankovic, Soglo; Kiteishvili; Kayombo, Jatta
Hearts : Schwolow: Altena, Fagan-Walcott, McCart, Milne; McEntee, Renaud; Miller, Guendouz, Kyziridis; Braga
Champions League prediction: Sturm Graz vs Hearts
Sturm Graz win
Sturm Graz look the more settled side heading into this one. The Austrians have been posting strong results for months, carry solid European know-how and will have a home crowd expecting plenty from this first continental night.
Hearts arrive with a new manager and a promising pre-season, but this is a different level entirely. The Scots are back in the Champions League after a long absence and are immediately up against a team that knows exactly what it takes at this stage.
With a settled unit, positive form and home advantage, Sturm Graz have enough to get their noses in front in the first leg. An Austrian win feels the likeliest outcome.
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