European football under the lights at the Vitality Stadium. Bournemouth supporters have waited a long time for this one.
The Cherries host Sturm Graz on Thursday evening in their first-ever home European fixture. However, Marco Rose’s side could certainly do with a confidence boost.
Bournemouth suffered a miserable 5-1 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday. That result left them with just three points from their opening six Premier League matches.
Nevertheless, Europe has provided some welcome relief.
The Cherries marked their Europa League debut with a memorable 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad in Spain. Justin Kluivert and Rayan scored as Bournemouth secured a historic three points.
Now, they have an opportunity to make it two European victories from two.
However, Sturm Graz won’t be arriving simply to make up the numbers.
The Austrian side held Rennes to a goalless draw in their opening Europa League fixture. They also head to England following a 2-0 away victory over Austria Wien.
Oumar Diakité scored both goals in that domestic success.
Sturm Graz have far more European experience than their opponents. Nevertheless, Bournemouth possess the stronger squad and should fancy their chances on home soil.
With both sides looking to build momentum, Thursday promises to be an intriguing contest.
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What are the best betting tips for Bournemouth vs Sturm Graz?
Bournemouth to win
Bournemouth haven’t exactly set the Premier League alight this season.
Saturday’s heavy defeat at Chelsea exposed several defensive weaknesses. However, their European performances have offered encouragement.
The Cherries travelled to Real Sociedad as underdogs and returned with all three points.
That victory showed they can deliver against experienced European opposition.
Meanwhile, Sturm Graz were held to a goalless draw by Rennes in their opening fixture.
Although the Austrians defended well, Bournemouth should offer a different attacking challenge.
Rose’s side possess plenty of pace in wide areas, with Rayan and Marcus Tavernier capable of stretching the opposition.
Furthermore, Evanilson provides a dangerous presence through the middle.
Sturm Graz will likely defend in numbers and attempt to frustrate the hosts.
However, Bournemouth should enjoy more possession and create the better opportunities.
The occasion could also give the Cherries an additional lift.
After all, their supporters have never experienced a competitive European home match.
Bournemouth desperately need a positive result, and I’m backing them to deliver one.
Under 3.5 total goals
Bournemouth’s 5-1 defeat against Chelsea might suggest another goal-filled contest is coming.
However, Sturm Graz are unlikely to approach Thursday’s match with the same attacking ambition.
The Austrian side held Rennes to a goalless draw in their opening Europa League fixture.
Despite spending long periods without possession, they remained organised and limited their opponents.
A similar approach could be expected at the Vitality Stadium.
Furthermore, Bournemouth have struggled for consistency in front of goal this season.
Injuries have also reduced Rose’s attacking options, with Justin Kluivert and Eli Junior Kroupi among those unavailable.
Sturm Graz have injury problems of their own.
Creative midfielder Otar Kiteishvili is sidelined, while several other attacking players are also missing.
As a result, the visitors may struggle to create regular opportunities.
Bournemouth should have enough quality to find a breakthrough. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t expect them to run riot.
Under 3.5 goals looks a sensible selection in a match where the hosts may need to show patience.
Evanilson to score anytime
Evanilson could be the man to make Bournemouth’s historic evening even more memorable.
The Brazilian striker is expected to lead the attack against Sturm Graz.
Although the Cherries have struggled domestically, Evanilson remains an important part of their attacking setup.
His movement inside the penalty area gives Bournemouth a focal point.
Meanwhile, Rayan and Tavernier can provide opportunities from wide positions.
That combination could be particularly important against a compact Sturm Graz defence.
The visitors will likely concede territory and invite Bournemouth to attack.
Consequently, Evanilson should spend plenty of time in dangerous areas.
Furthermore, Bournemouth may need their centre-forward to convert limited opportunities if the Austrians defend well.
The Brazilian should also benefit from the atmosphere at the Vitality Stadium.
This is a huge occasion for the club, and Bournemouth will be determined to put on a performance.
If the Cherries find the net, Evanilson looks one of their strongest candidates to score.
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Where can I watch Bournemouth vs Sturm Graz?
Bournemouth vs Sturm Graz kicks off at 8 pmBST on Thursday, October 15, at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth.
United Kingdom: The match will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with streaming available through HBO Max.
United States: Supporters can stream the match on Paramount+, with kick-off at 3 pm ET.
Canada: DAZN is the expected streaming destination for Europa League coverage, with kick-off at 3 pm ET. Viewers should confirm the fixture listing before the match.
What is Bournemouth’s predicted team?
Formation (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Smith, António Silva, Hill, Truffert; Adams, Christie; Rayan, Tavernier, Brooks; Evanilson.
Injured: Justin Kluivert, Amine Adli, Alex Scott, Eli Junior Kroupi, Veljko Milosavljevic, Julián Araujo.
Doubts: No additional confirmed doubts.
Suspended: None confirmed.
Marco Rose has several injury problems ahead of Bournemouth’s first European home match.
Alex Scott remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Kluivert, Adli and Kroupi are also unavailable.
Those absences limit the Cherries’ attacking options.
However, Evanilson is expected to retain his place through the middle.
Rayan should provide pace on the right, while David Brooks and Marcus Tavernier offer additional creativity.
In midfield, Tyler Adams and Ryan Christie could continue their partnership.
Lewis Cook is another option if Rose decides to freshen things up.
Meanwhile, António Silva and James Hill are expected to start in central defence.
After conceding five goals against Chelsea, Bournemouth will be desperate for a more convincing defensive display.
What is Sturm Graz’s predicted team?
Formation (3-4-3): Khudyakov; Koller, Quarshie, Malic; Heil, Weinhandl, Gorenc Stanković, Balbo; Hödl, Diakité, Matoshi.
Injured: Otar Kiteishvili, Gizo Mamageishvili, Filip Rózga, Seedy Jatta, Emran Soglo, Leon Grgić, Nelson Weiper.
Doubts: Albert Vallci.
Suspended: None confirmed.
Sturm Graz also have a lengthy injury list.
Kiteishvili is a significant absentee, with the Georgian midfielder unavailable because of a calf problem.
Meanwhile, several other attacking options remain sidelined.
However, manager Fabio Ingolitsch has received a boost with Jürgen Heil returning to contention.
The defender could feature after missing several weeks of competitive action.
Vallci remains a doubt, which could force another defensive reshuffle.
Oumar Diakité should retain his place after scoring twice against Austria Wien.
The Ivorian could be Sturm Graz’s biggest attacking threat.
Meanwhile, Daniil Khudyakov is expected to continue in goal after helping his side keep a clean sheet against Rennes.
The visitors may prioritise defensive organisation before looking to attack on the counter.
Bournemouth vs Sturm Graz prediction
Bournemouth’s domestic form has been disappointing. However, European football has already provided one memorable moment this season.
Their victory over Real Sociedad demonstrated the quality within Rose’s squad.
Now, they have an opportunity to make history in front of their own supporters.
Sturm Graz will provide stubborn opposition.
The Austrians defended impressively against Rennes and arrive following an encouraging domestic victory.
Furthermore, Bournemouth’s injury problems could make breaking down the visitors difficult.
Nevertheless, the Cherries possess considerably more attacking quality.
Rayan’s pace and Tavernier’s creativity should create opportunities, while Evanilson offers a threat inside the penalty area.
I expect Sturm Graz to frustrate Bournemouth for long periods.
However, the hosts should eventually find a way through.
It might not be pretty, but a European victory would be exactly what Rose and his players need.
Score prediction: Bournemouth 2-0 Sturm Graz
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