Hearts vs Sturm Graz Predictions

• Hearts matched Sturm Graz’s 1.9 xG in last week’s 4-0 defeat
• The Scottish side also had as many shots on target and big chances as the Austrian outfit
• Sturm Graz have lost 20 of their last 26 away games in Europe, including each of their last nine

Hearts hope to improve at home

A mix of awful defending and terrible finishing cost Hearts dearly in their return to the Champions League, as they suffered a 4-0 loss in Austria last week.

Hearts matched Sturm Graz in terms of shots on target, big chances created, and Expected Goals. However, the Austrian side made the most of their opportunities, while the Jambos were wasteful.

Things aren’t set to get any easier for the Edinburgh outfit, as they are likely to face Benfica in Europa League qualifying once they drop out of Europe’s top competition.

However, the Jambos do have an opportunity to restore some pride in the home leg on Tuesday night. Visitors Sturm Graz have lost their last nine away matches in Europe, which includes a 2-1 loss to Celtic in last season’s Europa League.

The Austrian side have suffered 20 defeats across their last 26 away matches in European competition. With the visitors taking a comfortable lead to Scotland, and given how Hearts matched them in many key metrics last week, the hosts look good to secure a second-leg victory.