Sturm Graz vs Crvena Zvezda Prediction and Betting Tips

Sturm Graz will host Crvena Zvezda at the Merkur Arena on Thursday in the sixth round of the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League's league phase. The home side have endured a difficult continental campaign and must maximize their points haul in their final three games if they are to advance past the league phase.

After securing a credible point in their goalless draw with Premier League side Nottingham Forest in the fourth round, Sturm suffered another setback last time out in the tournament, falling 2-1 away at Panathinaikos. They had seemed poised to claim a point in Greece following Otar Kiteishvili's first-half equalizer before their opponents reclaimed the lead 15 minutes from time.

Crvena Zvezda, meanwhile, failed to win any of their first three Europa League matches of the campaign but have turned a corner and remain hopeful of a top-24 finish. They secured a narrow 1-0 victory over FCSB in the last round and had looked set for a tough outing at home following a red card to Franklin Tebo midway through the first half, but they rallied quickly, with Bruno Duarte scoring the crucial winner in the second half.

The visitors sit 22nd in the table with seven points. They are three points above their midweek opponents and will be keen to extend that advantage on Thursday.

Sturm Graz vs Crvena Zvezda Head-to-Head and Key Numbers

Thursday's game will mark the first-ever competitive meeting between Sturm Graz and Red Star Belgrade.
The two teams faced off in a friendly clash back in July 2021 which ended 1-1.
Zvezda have faced Austrian opponents six times in European competitions. They have recorded two wins, three draws and one defeat.
Both sides have netted four goals each in the Europa League this season. Crvena Zvezda, however, have the better defensive record, conceding five goals compared to Sturm's seven.

Sturm Graz vs Crvena Zvezda Prediction

Die Schwoazn have won two of their last three matches after going winless in their previous five. They have, however, managed just one win in their last six games at the Merkur Arena and are underdogs heading into this fixture.

Zvezda's latest result ended a three-match winning streak, and they will be eager to respond this week. They are the slightly stronger side ahead of Thursday's fixture and should have enough to live up to that tag.

Prediction: Sturm Graz 1-2 Crvena Zvezda