Sturm Graz vs Lille Prediction & Betting Tips (7 March)

Opposed to Sporting Portugal, Atalanta and Rakow during the group stages of the Europa League, Sturm Graz was unable to compete with these teams accustomed to the very high level by finishing in third place. On the other hand, the Austrians had a second chance by playing in the Conference League play-offs against Slovan Bratislava. The future opponent of Lille easily defeated this team by winning the first leg 4-1 and the return 0-1. In the league, Sturm Graz and RB Salzburg are the only teams fighting for the title this season. With two points behind the leader, the locals occupy second place with 45 points. Christian Ilzer's players have an exceptional record in the league, with only two defeats this season, for 13 wins and 6 draws. Recently, they conceded a draw against SK Rapid 1-1 before winning on the Tirol pitch 0-2 and confirming last weekend for the reception of Wolfsberger 4-0. Lille is one of the big names of this competition.

After a rather successful group stage, Paulo Fonseca's men finished at the top of their group, thus avoiding the play-offs against teams from the Europa League. In Ligue 1, Lille is also fighting for the top places in the ranking. The now fourth in the championship is only three points behind the third, Monaco. The Mastiffs also remain on 2 successes obtained during the last 3 days. After a clinical home victory against Le Havre 3-0, Jonathan David and his teammates were surprised by losing against all odds on the pitch in Toulouse 3-1. In order to gain maximum confidence, the Mastiffs offered themselves a breath of fresh air on the pitch at Reims 0-1.

Sturm Graz has quite young players in its squad. Midfielder and captain, Gorenc Stankovic, is one of the pillars of this team. The 28-year-old player was particularly effective recently by scoring a goal against Tirol. Lille will also have to be wary of the young scorer, Mika Biereth, author of 2 goals during the 2 Conference League play-off matches against Slovan Bratislava and above all scorer 6 times in his 8 matches played at the club since his arrival from Arsenal in ready at the end of January. Number 10, Otar Kiteishvili, is also a major asset for Sturm Graz, with 6 goals and 5 assists in all competitions. As for the absentees, the starting goalkeeper, Kjell Scherpen, is injured in a knee and he should therefore miss this part like the Norwegian striker, Seedy Jatta (on the flank since the match against Sporting Portugal, on 14 last December) and the promising Borkovic.

Opposite, Lille can count on the great form of Jonathan David. After a rather complicated start to the season, the Canadian striker has turned things around with a total of 17 goals scored in all competitions (single scorer last weekend against Reims). Right winger Edon Zhegrova (3 goals, 5 assists in L1), who has been talked about a lot in recent weeks, is going through a more difficult period, being a substitute twice during the Northerners' last 3 meetings. LOSC will have to do without its usual injured players, Samuel Umtiti, new recruit Andrej Ilic and Ivan Cavaleiro, while Brazilian full-back Ismaily was very present in the league and he will probably be on the trip this evening.