Sturm Graz vs PSG Prediction: PSG is expected to secure a narrow 2-1 victory over Sturm Graz in their pre-season friendly, leveraging their superior squad quality despite Sturm Graz’s match fitness advantage.
Austrian champions Sturm Graz are set to host French giants Paris Saint-Germain in an intriguing pre-season friendly at the Merkur Arena on Wednesday evening. This match presents an exciting opportunity for both sides to fine-tune their preparations ahead of their respective competitive campaigns.
Match Preview
Sturm Graz enter this fixture having already kicked off their 2024-25 season, with mixed results so far. After a comfortable victory in the Austrian Cup, Die Schwoazn suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Rapid Vienna in their Bundesliga opener. Manager Christian Ilzer will be keen to see his side bounce back against high-caliber opposition.
For PSG, this friendly marks their first pre-season outing as they gear up for their Ligue 1 title defense. The Parisians, under the guidance of Luis Enrique, will be eager to hit the ground running and integrate new signings into their system.
Sturm Graz vs PSG Lineups and Formation
Sturm Graz Lineup (Possible 4-4-2): Biereth, Gazibegovic, Camara, Lavalee, Scherpen, Gorenc-Stankovic, Aiwu, Wuthrich, Horvat, Zvonarek, Boving.
PSG Lineup (Possible 4-3-3): Barcola, Mendes, Ugarte, Donnarumma, Kolo Muani, Lee, Marquinhos, Dembele, Beraldo, Vitinha, Zague.
Injury Concerns
Sturm Graz will likely be without right-back Max Johnston, who is recovering from illness. PSG, meanwhile, are missing Lucas Hernandez due to a long-term knee injury, while Achraf Hakimi is unavailable as he represents Morocco at the Olympics.
Where to Watch
For viewers in the United States, the match will be available on several beIN Sports channels, including beIN SPORTS USA, beIN SPORTS en Español, and beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A. Streaming options include Fanatiz, Sling TV, and Fubo TV.
Form Guide and Recent Performances
Sturm Graz:
- Austrian Cup: W vs Kremser SC
- Austrian Bundesliga: L vs Rapid Vienna
PSG: This will be PSG’s first pre-season match, coming off the back of their domestic treble in the 2023-24 season.
Head-to-Head
The teams last met in a 2013 pre-season friendly, where Sturm Graz surprisingly emerged victorious with a 3-1 scoreline. However, much has changed for both clubs in the intervening years.
Who Will Win? Match Prediction
While Sturm Graz have the advantage of match sharpness, PSG’s superior quality is likely to shine through. Expect the French champions to control possession and create numerous chances. However, Die Schwoazn’s competitive edge could make this an entertaining contest.
Prediction: Sturm Graz 1-2 PSG
Key Stats and Facts
- Sturm Graz won their first Austrian Bundesliga title since 2011 last season
- PSG clinched their third consecutive Ligue 1 title in 2023-24
- This match marks PSG’s first outing without departed superstar Kylian Mbappe
- Sturm Graz striker Mika Biereth, on loan from Arsenal, will be one to watch after impressing last season
Latest News
Sturm Graz have been boosted by the permanent signing of Mika Biereth from Arsenal, following his successful loan spell. For PSG, all eyes will be on how they adapt to life without Mbappe, with players like Ousmane Dembele and Randal Kolo Muani expected to step up.
This friendly promises to be an intriguing encounter between two champions from different footballing landscapes. While the result may not be crucial, both teams will be eager to impress and build momentum for the challenges that lie ahead in their respective seasons.
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