Sturm Graz vs Rennes — Tips & Analysis

Sturm Graz +0.5: Sturm Graz are hard to beat in Graz, and that is the main reason we are with them. They have lost only one of their last six home games, letting in less than a goal a game at the Merkur-Arena. Across their last 14 games they have won 9, tied 2 and lost 3. They score almost 2 goals a game and let in under one. Rennes are a good side in form. They have won 8, tied 2 and lost 3 of their last 13 games. That run includes a 1-0 win over Marseille and a 2-2 tie with Paris Saint-Germain. The catch is what happens when they travel. Rennes let in just over 2 goals a game on the road. They have also won by 2 or more goals in only 1 of their last 13 games, so big away wins are not their thing. These two clubs have never met, so there is no history to lean on. A 1-1 is the likeliest score, and Sturm avoiding defeat is all this asks of them. The worry is at the other end. Sturm did not score in either play-off game against Fenerbahce, losing 0-1 at home and 0-2 away. Rennes have better forwards than the teams Sturm face in their own league, and Sturm have had two days less rest. We still make Sturm tough enough to come out of this level.