Sturm Graz vs Nottingham Forest: Europa League Clash Preview and Prediction
On November 6, 2025, Sturm Graz will host Nottingham Forest in the fourth round of the UEFA Europa League group stage. The Austrian side will look to pull off a surprise against the English visitors, who are aiming to consolidate their position in Europe.
Team Form and Season Overview
Sturm Graz
The Graz-based club ended Red Bull Salzburg’s dominance in 2024 and has maintained strong domestic form under a new manager. This season, they are competing for the top spots, although rivals Rapid Wien and Wolfsberg have also started impressively. Sturm began their European campaign in the Champions League but suffered a heavy 0-5 defeat to Bodø/Glimt in the qualifiers. In the Europa League, they have won just once at home against Rangers (2-1) but lost away to Midtjylland (0-2) and Celtic (1-2).
Nottingham Forest
The English side had a turbulent start to the season under Nuno Espírito Santo, eventually finishing seventh before a managerial change. Postecoglou briefly took over but failed to secure a victory, and now Sean Dyche is trying to stabilize the team. In Europe, Forest began with a 2-2 draw against Betis, suffered a home loss to Midtjylland, but recently secured a confident 2-0 victory over Porto under Dyche.
Key Statistics and Trends
Sturm Graz
Lost 2 out of 3 Europa League matches
Average goals scored: 1.9 per game
Average goals conceded: 1.0 per game
Nottingham Forest
Won only once in three group matches
Average goals scored: 0.56 per game
Average goals conceded: 1.89 per game
Probable Line-ups
Sturm Graz (4-4-2): Bignetti – Karic, Lavalee, Aiwue, Ermann – Hedl, Gorenc-Stankovic, Ruzga, Kiteishvili, Horvath – Malone
Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1): Sels – Zinchenko, Murillo, Milenkovic, Williams – Anderson, Douglas Luiz – Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Ndoye – Igor Jesus
Previous Encounters
The two clubs last met in Europe back in 1984. Both sides won their home matches 1-0, but Nottingham Forest scored the decisive goal in extra time away, giving them a historic edge in head-to-head encounters.
Match Prediction
Despite being favorites, Nottingham Forest has shown vulnerabilities, especially in away games. Sturm Graz, playing at home, will aim to capitalize on these weaknesses. Given both teams’ attacking tendencies and defensive lapses, a high-scoring encounter is likely.
Predicted Score: Sturm Graz 2 – 2 Nottingham Forest
Betting Suggestion: Both teams to score (odds ~1.78)
