Sturm Graz vs Dinamo Kiev
9 August 1930hrs
Football – Europe – Champions League qualification
Pick Sturm Graz
Bookmaker William Hill
Odds: 29/20 odds taken 2000 GMT, Monday 1 August
Dinamo Kiev hold a narrow 1-0 lead from the the first leg so they travel to Austria to face Sturm Graz with all to play for as the two clubs bid to reach the playoff round.
Table of Contents
Sturm Graz Preview – Can Sturm Graz make home advantage count to overturn first leg deficit?
It is over 20 years since Sturm Graz competed in the group stages of the Champions League. On that occasion, they actually made it through to what was a second group stage. Since then, the Austrians have had just three attempts at reaching that stage but the nearest they have come was back in 2011 when they got to the final hurdle only to fall to BATE.
They will feel it is long overdue but they do have a task on their hands to even get to the playoff round. Christian Ilzer – who has been in charge for two years – has to find a way to overturn the 1-0 defeat in Poland last week.
Dinamo Kiev Preview – Will Kiev have enough to come through this second leg and edge closer to group stage football?
Dinamo Kiev have had a lot more to endure off the pitch over the last six months than anything they will encounter on it. The Russian invasion back in February continues to have a devastating impact on the country as a whole and elite sport is no different. Last week’s 1-0 win in the first leg of this tie took place in Lodz, Poland, where they will be playing their home games for the foreseeable.
There has been substantial turnover for players as well with all bar one of last week’s squad being Ukraine nationals – a far cry from what it looked like 12 months ago. Many of the internationals have been able to move since the war started.
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Dinamo have already seen off Fenerbahce in the last round – winning 2-1 on aggregate courtesy of an impressive extra-time win in Istanbul. It would have been particularly sweet for Mircea Lucescu who has previously been in charge of Galatasaray and Besiktas, as well as the Turkish national team.
With no confirmation as to when the Ukrainian domestic league will begin or even take place, Dinamo know that their only games in the immediate future will be in European competition, and they will be hoping to be competing at the highest level possible.
Sturm Graz vs Dinamo Kiev Betting Advice
Both teams head into this match knowing that whatever happens they will be playing in some level of European group stage football. Sturm Graz and Dinamo Kiev also know that whoever prevails will likely face Benfica in the playoff round, with the Portuguese club holding a commanding advantage at the halfway point of their tie.
Key Facts – Sturm Graz vs Dinamo Kiev Betting Tip
- Sturm Graz are bidding to reach the group stages of the Champions League for the first time since 2000
- Dinamo Kiev came through a tough second round qualifying tie against Fenerbache, progressing after extra-time
- The winners of this tie will almost certainly face Benfica in the playoff round
All things considered, Dinamo have done brilliantly well to be competitive not only in getting past their first qualifier, but also bring a lead to Austria with them. I don’t expect there will be much between the teams come full-time tomorrow, and it could even go all the way. For that to happen, the hosts have to win in 90 minutes and I’m backing them to do that.
Best Betting Odds for Sturm Graz vs Dinamo Kiev
