Sturm Graz vs Brann prediction 29.01.2026 | UEFA Europa League

Sturm Graz have endured a challenging Europa League campaign, entering this Round 8 fixture with just one win and one draw in seven matches and sitting near the bottom of their group. In their last European encounter, Sturm crumbled to a 3-0 defeat away to Feyenoord, highlighting the team’s inability to compete against opposition of a higher pedigree. They are yet to kick-start their Bundesliga campaign and have played only a couple of friendly matches in preparation for their final European clash of the season.

Injury and squad availability appear to have impacted consistency, with multiple players sidelined, although exact current absences ahead of this match have not been extensively detailed by official sources. The club’s scoring rate and defensive statistics suggest Sturm Graz will need tactical adjustments to tighten up at the back and improve efficiency in the final third if they are to challenge Brann effectively.

Norwegian club Brann arrive in Austria with a dynamic recent sequence, having scored in each of their last eight matches, including a dramatic 3-3 Europa League draw with Midtjylland that keeps their hopes of progression alive. A draw might be enough for Brann to still progress to the next phase of the competition if other results from direct rivals go their way, but a win would nevertheless see them through to the round of 32.

However, Brann’s Europa League campaign has not been without setbacks. They suffered a 0-4 home defeat to Fenerbahçe, demonstrating defensive lapses against higher-quality opposition. Manager Freyr Alexandersson has also faced squad disruption, with mid-season transfers affecting key players such as Emil Kornvig, whose departure ahead of this tie could weaken attacking depth.