Sturm Graz vs Dynamo Kiev Predictions

• Sturm Graz kept just two clean sheets across their last 15 European home games.
• Dynamo Kyiv are as yet unbeaten in 2022.
• Dynamo Kyiv are unbeaten in 15 of their 19 all-time competitive clashes with Austrian sides.

Dynamo Kyiv must weather the Sturm

After losing in the away first-leg, Sturm Graz’s progression in the Champions League qualifiers rests upon this game. The hosts have made an unbeaten start to their domestic league campaign, but a woeful home record across their last 15 European matches here is certainly cause for concern (W2, D1, L12).

The biggest confidence-boosting result that Sturm have posted this term is a 2-1 win over Champions League regulars Salzburg, a repeat of which would force extra time here, though having failed to win in two of their three competitive clashes with Ukrainian opponents (W1, D1, L1), that is far from a given.

Visiting Kyiv have not featured in competitive action for most of 2022 due to the ongoing conflict at home, though a long list of friendlies seems to have been good enough preparation for the new Champions League campaign, with Kyiv unbeaten in their three qualifiers so far (90 mins: W1, D2).

Stick with Kyiv to see it through

Dynamo Kyiv have been dealt a tough hand in this tournament, they’ve had to play their ‘home’ games in Poland, and have lost players since the beginning of the current conflict with no new replacements.

Even so, watch out for Kyiv’s Oleksandr Karavaev, who has popped up with the winner in each of their two Champions League victories this season, including one in extra time against Fenerbache.

We predict that Kyiv can hold out for at least a draw in this game and as such, we’re going for the double chance market. As for the correct score, a tight 1-1 draw could be the smart play.