Read our full SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes prediction with expert betting tips, expected lineups, and key odds analysis ahead of this Europa League clash.
SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes Match Summary
Competition | UEFA Europa League |
|---|---|
Match Date | Wednesday 16 September 2026 |
Match Time | 20:00 UK time |
Venue (City, Stadium) | Graz, Stadion Graz-Liebenau |
Broadcast (TV / Streaming / Radio / Bookmaker Streaming) | TNT Sport Extra |
SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes gets the Europa League league phase underway at Stadion Graz-Liebenau on Wednesday 16 September 2026, with the French side arriving as favourites.
Sturm Graz dropped into the Europa League after their elimination in the Champions League qualifying play-offs against Fenerbahce, and now open their continental campaign on home soil.
Rennes are back in Europe after sealing a sixth-place finish in Ligue 1 last term, and land in Austria on the back of three straight wins to sit third in the French table.
The bookmakers make Rennes clear favourites for this opener, with Sturm ranked low for both standing and form heading into matchday one.
SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes Form
Sturm Graz have won just one of their last three Austrian Bundesliga games ahead of this opener. They were pegged back by LASK just before half-time on Sunday, but substitute Oumar Diakite popped up with the winner just before the hour mark to salvage all three points.
Rennes are one of three sides to have capitalised on PSG's slow start, sitting third in Ligue 1 after four games, only behind Lille and Monaco on goal difference. The French side head to Austria on the back of three straight wins, and their win market bet has landed in seven of their last 10 matches.
SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes Lineups & Team News
Injuries & Suspensions
SK Sturm Graz: Emran Soglo (Injured/out), Seedy Jatta (Injured/doubtful)
Rennes: No fresh injuries or suspensions reported
SK Sturm Graz
Emran Soglo has been ruled out for the midweek fixture, while Seedy Jatta is doubtful after picking up a knock against LASK on Sunday. Expect Jatta to lead the line if he is passed fit, with Oumar Diakite and Luca Weinhandl set to return to the starting XI.
Rennes
Rennes have no fresh absentees to worry about for the Europa League opener. Mousa Tamari could be recalled on the left, while left-back Quentin Merlin is expected to come back into the starting XI for the trip to Austria.
SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes Predicted Lineup
SK Sturm Graz
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Starting Lineup: Khudyakov; Heil, Koller, Vallci, Balbo; Stankovic, Weinhandl; Beganovic, Hodl, Diakite; Jatta
Rennes
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Predicted Starting Lineup: Samba; Frankowski, Rouault, Cresswell, Merlin; Rongier; Blas, Thomasson, Camara, Tamari; Lepaul
SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes Key Stats & Match Facts
This is matchday one of the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League league phase, with each of the 36 clubs playing eight matches against eight different opponents.
The Rennes win market bet has landed in seven of their last 10 matches, against a return of three in 10 for Sturm Graz.
Rennes sit third in Ligue 1 after four games and travel to Austria on the back of three straight wins.
Sturm Graz have won only one of their last three Austrian Bundesliga outings heading into this opener.
Sturm Graz drop into the Europa League after their exit in the Champions League qualifying play-offs, while Rennes return to Europe off a sixth-place Ligue 1 finish.
SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes Prediction & Best Bets
Our prediction: Rennes look the stronger side here and should have too much for a Sturm Graz outfit ranked low for form. The engine room of Rongier plus the attacking punch of Lepaul and Blas points to an away win, and we fancy Rennes to edge a 3-1 victory in Graz.
Best Bets
Przemyslaw Frankowski to record Over 1.5 Shots in the Player Shots market. With Rennes projected as favourites and pushing the game, the wide man should get plenty of licence to shoot. The numbers back him too, carrying strong expected value against the available lines for at least two efforts.
Esteban Lepaul to register Over 1.5 Shots On Target in the Player Shots On Target market. As the central striker in a side tipped to control the contest and create high-volume chances away from home, Lepaul is the natural focal point. His numbers rate him strongly to hit the target at least twice, offering plenty of value.
SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes Bet Builder
Our four-leg bet builder backs a Rennes win, Esteban Lepaul anytime goalscorer, both teams to score and Arjan Malic to be shown a card in a physical European opener.
Rennes are the pick to win the win market, with the away success landing in seven of their last 10 and the French side arriving on three straight victories.
Lepaul leads the line as Rennes' key attacking focal point, so the striker is fancied to find the net anytime in a game his side should dominate.
Both teams to score is added with Sturm Graz on home turf and Rennes carrying an attacking threat, so goals at both ends look on the cards.
Arjan Malic completes the ticket to be shown a card, with a combative, physical contest expected between two sides who won't hold back.
At the time of writing, this bet builder pays a best price of 12/1 and is as short as 10/1 elsewhere.
Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builder with Oddschecker's Exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.
Bet builder odds correct at time of publishing.
SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes Talking Points
This is a genuine test of ambitions on matchday one. Rennes, back in Europe after their sixth-place Ligue 1 finish, are targeting a top-eight place across the eight-match league schedule to earn direct passage to the Round of 16. Their side are flying with three straight league wins heading into Austria. Sturm Graz, meanwhile, drop in from the Champions League play-offs and will fancy their chances on home soil, even if recent domestic form has been patchy. Oumar Diakite's late winner against LASK offers a spark, and a fit-again Seedy Jatta up top would give the hosts a focal point against a Rennes side firmly fancied to open with a win.
SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes Predictions FAQs
When is the SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes Europa League game?
The match kicks off on Wednesday 16 September 2026 at 20:00 UK time.
Where is SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes being played?
The match is being played at Stadion Graz-Liebenau in Graz, Austria.
Where can I watch SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes?
The match will be broadcast on TNT Sport Extra.
What competition is SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes in?
SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes takes place in the UEFA Europa League.
Disclaimer
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