Brann arrive for this Europa League clash against Sturm Graz as the clear attacking force, having outscored the Austrians by a wide margin this season. Kick-off is set for 20:00 on Thursday evening at the Merkur Arena, with the Norwegian side aiming to prove their superior form in a first-ever meeting between these clubs.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on Brann’s far greater attacking output and Sturm Graz’s chronic goalscoring struggles, here are our top betting recommendations for this match. We’re particularly confident in Brann avoiding defeat, given their superior goal tally and shooting efficiency in Europe so far.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brann Double Chance (Win or Draw) | 13/8 @ Bet365 (38.1%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Brann have scored over four times as many goals as Sturm Graz in this European campaign (17 vs 4). Given Sturm Graz’s poor record of just one win in seven and their lack of firepower, the Norwegian side look well-placed to avoid defeat here, especially with their higher shot accuracy. |
| Both Teams to Score – Yes | 8/11 @ SkyBet (57.9%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Both teams have major defensive issues: Brann have conceded 12 in 11 games, Sturm Graz 11 in 7. With neither defence reliable and Brann’s attack in top gear, there’s genuine value in backing both sides to find the net. |
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Odds correct at the time of writing.
Season Form & Standings
2025/26 season to date
Brann have shown far greater consistency and attacking threat in European competition, scoring 17 goals in their 11 matches and notching up 12 assists. Sturm Graz, by contrast, have found the net just 4 times in 7 outings and sit near the bottom of the form table. Both sides, however, have shown frailties at the back – Brann conceding 12 (in more games), Sturm Graz 11.
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brann | 22 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 10 | -1 | 9 |
| Sturm Graz | 32 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 11 | -7 | 4 |
Potential Match-Winners
Neither team boasts a player among the tournament’s top scorers or assist providers, highlighting a more collective attacking approach. For Brann, Bård Finne and Sævar Atli Magnússon have regularly featured in the forward line and are likely to shoulder the goal threat again. On the Sturm Graz side, Leon Grgić and Maurice Maximilian Malone are among the attackers tasked with breaking a worrying drought—just four goals in seven European ties. Watch for Brann’s front line to press high and generate chances, with their shot accuracy (40.35%) suggesting they need fewer attempts per goal compared to Sturm Graz (38.1%).
Head-to-Head: Last 6 Meetings
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Sturm Graz and Brann—there is no previous head-to-head record to draw on.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | No previous meetings | – |
Conclusion: Can Sturm Graz Halt Brann’s Attack-Minded Surge?
With Brann’s attacking record dwarfing that of Sturm Graz, the Norwegians look the more likely to get a result in Austria. Sturm Graz have found life tough in this competition, and unless they can find a way to tighten up at the back and discover a cutting edge up front, Brann’s superior firepower and efficiency could tell. Our top tip is Brann Double Chance at 13/8 with Bet365 (38.1% implied probability), offering strong value for punters.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
