Sturm Graz take on the visitors St. Polten at “Merkur-Arena” in the starting match of the Austrian Tipico Bundesliga 2017/2018. The game will be played in Graz on Sunday, July 23rd.
Last season Sturm Graz took the bronze medals of the Austrian Tipico Bundesliga with 60 points earned and 55-39 goal difference. In summer Franco Foda’s side was actively preparing to the Eurocups and conducted six friendly battles. And as it was shown by Thursday clash it wasn’t in vain: Sturm Graz knocked out Mladost Podgorica by the aggregated outcome of two head-to-heads having ended with 1:2, 3:0 scorelines and followed up their fight for promotion to the Group Stage of the UEFA Europa League.
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St. Polten managed to entrench themselves in the elite division after the end of the previous season. The side settled on the ninth position in the table with 37 points taken being just two points above the relegated Ried. During the summer break St. Polten participated in six friendly matches having been defeated only once in them. However, the side failed at the start of the season having been knocked out from the OFB Cup after the first round: the team was beaten by Austria Klagenfurt with 1:2 scoreline on the road.
Taking into consideration the clubs’ ambitions as well as a start of the season, rivals’ competitive form and class, plus home-field advantage, I believe that the hosts have to earn three points in the upcoming fight against the probable outsider of the season.
Prediction for the match: Sturm Graz to win.
