Sturm Graz vs Haugesund | Betting Tip, Prediction & Odds (01.08.2019)
After a terrific performance in the first leg at home last Thursday, Haugesund travels to Sturm, trying to defend a two-goal lead and reach the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. Still, Sturm Graz is a firm favourite to win the second leg, so we expect plenty of excitements at Merkur Arena on Thursday evening.
Sturm Graz – Haugesund
- 2019-20 UEFA Europa League Second Qualifying Round
- Merkur Arena, Graz, Austria
- Thursday 1st August
- 19:30 UK Time
SK Sturm Graz News & Form
The Blackies started the new season with a convincing 4-1 road victory over USK Anif in the Austrian Cup. Six days later, they suffered a huge upset in Haugesund whereas the Blackies were listed as slight favourites to win the first leg.
The Austrian Bundesliga started last weekend, and the Blackies opened with a nice 3-0 home victory over St. Polten. Midfielder Jakob Jantscher scored a brace, and he’ll be one of the key players for Sturm this season along with forwards Philipp Hosiner and Markus Pink.
FK Haugesund News & Form
The Arabs started their Europa League journey with a 6-1 aggregate victory over Cliftonville, winning the second leg at home 5-1. They are on a four-game winning streak following a 2-0 win to Sturm last week, while Haugesund lost just one of its previous eight games on the road, recording six wins and a draw in the process.
Haugesund is currently sitting at the eighth spot of the Norwegian Eliteserien with a 5-5-5 record and a 24:18 goal difference. Winger Martin Samuelsen and strikers Ibrahima Wadji and Ibrahima Kone all scored five goals each this season, but Wadji is unavailable for the clash in Graz due to a doping ban.
Sturm vs Haugesund Head to Head
That last week’s clash was the first-ever meeting between Sturm and Haugesund. Each team took 11 shots towards the opposite goalkeeper, while the Arabs kept the ball in possession for 56% of the time. After a goalless first half, Haugesund scored a couple of goals in the second 45 minutes to earn a huge advantage ahead of the second leg in Austria.
Betting Odds and Predictions: Sturm Graz v Haugesund
Although the bookmakers consider Sturm Graz as a firm favourite to win the second leg, Haugesund is still a clear favourite to reach the next round. Bet365 offers 3/10 odds on Haugesund to qualify, while Sturm is set at 12/5 odds to eliminate the Arabs.
On the other hand, the Blackies are 4/9 favourites to win the second leg with Ladbrokes. Haugesund is an 11/2 minnow with Bet365, while a draw pays 16/5 with William Hill. Sturm will have to try to keep its net intact or will need at least four goals to proceed, so Coral offers 11/10 odds on both teams to score. When it comes to the total goals, William Hill offers 17/20 odds on both over and under 2.5 goals.
Our Sturm Graz vs FK Haugesund Betting Tip
As I’ve already mentioned, the hosts will have to be very careful, as one goal in their net could mean the end of the road. Haugesund conceded four goals just once in its last 23 games in all competitions. The Arabs will try their best to find the net, so I think there is a value on the total goals.
The Blackies need to score two goals and keep their net intact to force extra time. Hereof, I’m backing the over 2.5 goals at 17/20 odds with William Hill. Sturm recorded a clean sheet only once in its previous seven games at home, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Haugesund finds the net.