Sturm Graz already look like they've done the hard part. A 4-0 win in the first leg on July 21 leaves Hearts with almost no way back in this Champions League second qualifying round tie.
The Scottish side trail 0-4 on aggregate and face a near-certain drop into the Europa League qualifiers if they can't pull off something extraordinary on July 28. Sturm Graz sit one win away from the third qualifying round.
Predicted lineups show Hearts lining up with Schwolow in goal behind Borchgrevink, Fagan-Walcott, Findlay and Milne. Magnusson and McEntee sit in midfield while Kerjota, Ba-Sy, Kyziridis and Braga push forward. Sturm Graz are expected to go with Khudyakov, Heil, Vallci, Mitchell and Soglo at the back. Seidl, Stankovic, Weinhandl and Fosso support the attack alongside Wlodarczyk and Jatta.
Amady Camara misses out for the visitors with a thigh strain while Jacob Hödl carries a doubt from the opening game. No injury news has surfaced for Hearts.
Recent league form offers little help either side. Both clubs finished their 2025/2026 domestic campaigns back in May and the current data shows only pre-season friendlies plus that lopsided first leg. Head-to-head history is just as thin, limited to the July 21 clash.
Sturm Graz should control this return fixture. They've already proved they can put Hearts under pressure and the aggregate cushion gives them freedom to play without panic. Expect them to stay compact early and look for another goal on the break.
Braga remains the main threat for Hearts but creating clear chances against a side that kept a clean sheet last week will be tough. The home side need four goals at minimum and that rarely happens twice in a row against the same opponent.
HOME_PLAYER: Claudio Braga HOME_LOOK: not found in search AWAY_PLAYER: Seedy Jatta AWAY_LOOK: not found in searchRecommended Bets
Sturm Graz to win @1.45 — They already lead 4-0 from the first leg and only need another solid performance to advance.
Under 3.5 goals @1.85 — Hearts will be cautious while Sturm Graz can manage the game with their aggregate advantage.
Sturm Graz -1.5 Asian handicap @2.10 — The visitors have the quality to win by two clear goals again given the first-leg result.
Odds tend to shorten closer to kickoff — lock in value now.
