SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes Lineups, Prediction, Betting Picks & Odds

SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes Game Preview

SK Sturm Graz host Rennes at Stadion Graz-Liebenau on September 16, 2026, opening their Europa League campaign. Any SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes prediction leans toward the visiting French side.

The Austrians dropped into this competition after falling short in Champions League qualifying against Fenerbahce. Fabio Ingolitsch's group now turn their attention to the league phase in front of their own fans.

Rennes are back in continental soccer for the first time in several seasons, having earned direct entry to the league phase. Franck Haise's side arrive on the back of a strong start at home.

This is a matchup between two teams headed in different directions, and the bookmakers make the visitors clear favorites to open with three points on the road.

SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes Recent Results

Sturm Graz come in off a 2-1 home win over league leaders LASK in the Austrian Bundesliga on September 13, with Gizo Mamageishvili and substitute Oumar Diakite on the scoresheet. Still, the Austrians have won just one of their last three domestic games, and the moneyline reflects that lukewarm run.

Rennes are flying. Franck Haise's side are unbeaten through their first four Ligue 1 games, including a 2-2 tie with Paris Saint-Germain, and edged Marseille 1-0 on September 11 thanks to Adrien Thomasson. They've won three straight heading into this trip to Austria.

SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes Lineups & Team News

Injuries & Suspensions

SK Sturm Graz: Emran Soglo (Injured/out), Seedy Jatta (Injured/doubtful)

Rennes: No reported injuries or suspensions

SK Sturm Graz

Emran Soglo has been ruled out for Sturm Graz, while Seedy Jatta is doubtful after picking up a knock against LASK. If Jatta is passed fit, expect him to lead the line. Oumar Diakite and Luca Weinhandl should return to the starting lineup for the hosts.

Rennes

Rennes have a clean bill of health for the trip to Austria. Mousa Tamari could be recalled on the left, while left-back Quentin Merlin is expected to return to the starting lineup for the Europa League opener.

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, Hödl, Diakité; Jatta

Rennes

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Predicted Starting Lineup: Samba; Frankowski, Rouault, Cresswell, Merlin; Rongier; Tamari, Thomasson, Camara, Blas; Lepaul

SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes Key Stats & Game Facts

• A Rennes moneyline win would have landed 7 times out of their last 10 games against all opponents.
• A Sturm Graz moneyline win would have landed just 3 times out of their last 10 games against all opponents.
• The projected combined total for this game sits at 3.08 goals, keeping the score inside the Under 3.5 line with a 65.5% probability.

SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes Prediction & Best Picks

Our Prediction

Rennes win this one, 3-1. The French side are the away favorites here, backed by a 54.5% implied probability, and their unbeaten domestic run should carry over to Austria. Sturm Graz can find the net at home, but Rennes have the edge in quality across the field.

Best Picks

Back Under 3.5 in the Total Goals Over/Under market. This sits squarely in the Total Goals Over/Under market. The projected combined score of 3.08 goals keeps this game comfortably inside the Under 3.5 line, with a 65.5% probability in its favor and positive expected value attached.

Back Esteban Lepaul Over 2.5 in the Player Shots market. This is a Player Shots market pick. With Rennes favored on the road and projected for close to two goals, starting striker Esteban Lepaul is the focal point up top and carries a 77.1% probability to log at least three shots.

SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes Same Game Parlay

This four-leg SGP for SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes combines Rennes on the moneyline, Esteban Lepaul as an anytime goalscorer, yes on Both Teams To Score, and Arjan Malic to pick up a card.

Rennes are the clear favorites, unbeaten in Ligue 1 and winners of three straight, so taking the visitors on the moneyline anchors this parlay against a struggling home side.

Esteban Lepaul is Rennes' main threat up front and carries a 51.5% probability to score anytime, making him a logical goalscorer leg for the visitors.

Both sides are capable of finding the net here, with Sturm Graz dangerous at home and Rennes averaging close to two projected goals in this matchup, so yes on Both Teams To Score makes sense.

Finally, Arjan Malic to be shown a card adds value in what shapes up as a physical European opener, rounding out the parlay at a strong combined price.

At the time of writing, this SGP pays a best price of +1200 and is as short as +1084 elsewhere. Shop around and you could pocket an extra $12 on a $10 stake at the top end of the market.

Use Oddschecker's Same Game Parlay Comparison Tool to find the best odds available before you place your bet.

Same Game Parlay odds correct at time of publishing.

SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes Talking Points

The big storyline is Rennes' return to European soccer under Franck Haise, who has his side unbeaten to start their Ligue 1 campaign and buzzing with confidence. Adrien Thomasson underlined that momentum with his winner against Marseille, the 50th Ligue 1 goal of his career. Sturm Graz, led by Fabio Ingolitsch, land in this competition after Champions League qualifying disappointment, but a 2-1 home win over LASK shows they can bite on their own field. If the hosts are to spring a surprise, they'll need Seedy Jatta fit and Oumar Diakite building on his recent scoring touch.

SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes Predictions FAQs

When is the SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes Europa League game?

The game kicks off at 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

Where is SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes being played?

The game is being played at Stadion Graz-Liebenau in Graz.

Where can I watch SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes?

The game is scheduled for broadcast on TNT Sport Extra, Movistar Liga de Campeones, and Sky Calcio.

What is the team news for SK Sturm Graz vs Rennes?

Sturm Graz are missing the injured Emran Soglo while Seedy Jatta is doubtful. Rennes have Quentin Merlin and Mousa Tamari expected to return to the starting lineup.

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