Sturm Graz vs Hearts Predictions

• Both teams scored in five of Sturm Graz’s final six games last season
• The hosts claimed a 2-1 victory at home to Rangers in the Europa League last season
• Sturm Graz faced 14.0 xG across their eight League Phase matches
• The hosts have won five of their last nine home European games

Jambos make Champions League return

Hearts face their first Champions League fixture in 20 years on Tuesday night, as they head to Austria to play the dethroned Bundesliga champions, Sturm Graz.

The hosts made the League Phase of last season’s Europa League, which saw them claim a 2-1 victory over Rangers. The Austrian outfit have won five and lost only three of their last nine home European ties, but they’ve suffered nine straight defeats on the road.

Hearts return to Europe without manager Derek McInnes and captain Lawrence Shankland, who have both moved to Rangers. However, their data-led approach is expected to continue to improve their side, with Brighton owner Tony Bloom taking a minority stake in the club last summer.

Hearts have kept star man Claudio Braga, and he can help the Jambos get on the scoresheet in Austria on Tuesday.

Both teams scored in five of Sturm Graz’s final six games last term, and the hosts conceded at least four shots on target in each of their home Europa League matches last season. They faced a total of 14.0 xG across their eight games, so Hearts should be able to get on the scoresheet.