Sturm Graz hosts Haugesund in the second leg of the Europa League qualification quarterfinals. The match will be played on Thursday, August 1st at Merkur-Arena (Graz)
The Austrians put themselves in an extremely awkward position. Now they need to score at least 2 goals, and if their opponent manages to score its goal, Sturm will have to put 4 balls into the goal of Haugesund. In any case, Sturm needs to play much more active than it did away. In the 1st match, Sturm had some good goal attempts and generally impressed with its game. The Austrians failed to take the initiative in their legs after the goals conceded, and I expect more aggressive actions in the return match.
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Haugesund pleased with its game in the 1st match against Sturm. The Norwegians started in the status of the underdog, but they played attack first. Roughly speaking, Haugesund outplayed the Austrians in all respects and gained a deserved victory. Haugesund created 2 times more scoring chances than their rival did. Besides, the Norwegians forced Sturm to foul constantly, which led to dangerous free-kicks. Of course, they will not manage to play so boldly away, and there is no need, but they will create own attempts.
It is rather strange to see Sturm as such obvious favorites of the meeting when their opponent played much better in the 1st match. I think that you can look at the plus handicap of the visitors, but I still chose Both to score. Haugesund's goal is highly appreciated, and the coefficient is very tempting, isn't it? Especially since Sturm will play openly. The team that kept a clean sheet only in 15 of the 18 official matches of 2019 is unlikely to improve the statistics when the rear will be bare. Besides, the Austrians have virtually no match practice, while the Norwegians have a season in full swing. That is, Haugesund is in a better shape, which was demonstrated in the 1st match. Finally, the Norwegians scored away twice even to Rosenborg, and they will be able to break through Sturm's defense as well. But I’m also waiting for a goal from the hosts of the meeting. The Austrians will probably play much more actively than in the 1st match. Do not forget that Graz scored almost in every match of the last season, and its squad has not changed. And Haugesund conceded in 4 of the last 6 away games.
Prediction for the match: Both teams to score – yes
