SK Slovan Bratislava vs Sturm Graz Prediction & Betting Tips - Conference League

Prediction published on 20/02/2024, 13:00  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 22/02/2024 at 07:00 in Conference League Prediction

The second leg of the Europa Conference League knockout rounds will see Slovan Bratislava play host to Sturm Graz on Thursday night. The visitors have already set one foot in the Round of 16, currently leading the two-legged tie 4-1. They were worthy winners of the first leg, too, as they dominated the match in almost every statistical category. The Blackies recorded 25 shots at goal compared to their opponents' seven and were clinical in taking their opportunities, finding the net four times in eight shots on target. They also dictated play, hogging 55% of possession, though they were with a man advantage for the last 12 minutes of the 90. The visitors followed up that performance with a 1-1 draw to Rapid Vienna in the Austrian Bundesliga over the weekend, which saw them remain two points behind league leaders RB Salzburg after 19 games. In this season's Europa League, Sturm Graz lost two and won one of their away games, though they did fail to score in both those defeats.

Meanwhile, Slovan Bratislava were given a rude awakening last week after a solid group stage performance. They came second in Group A behind Lille and ended four points clear of third-placed Olimpija. The Sky Blues have been excellent in their domestic league as well, currently leading the Super Liga with an 11-point cushion over Zilina, and have only lost one of their 20 league matches this term while winning 16 and drawing three. They have been very good in attack, scoring 53 league goals this term which is a strength they will need to overturn a three-goal deficit in this match. The hosts won one, drew one, and lost one of their three home games in this competition but have scored two or more goals in three of their last four overall. The bookmakers make them marginal favourites in this one.