Bournemouth v SK Sturm Graz: Europa League 2026-27 preview, team news and prediction
AFC Bournemouth host Sportklub Sturm Graz at the Vitality Stadium on October 15 in their second league-phase outing of the UEFA Europa League 2026-27. Bournemouth arrive after a 2-1 away victory over Real Sociedad in their European debut, while Sturm Graz opened the competition with a 0-0 draw against Stade Rennais.
Marco Rose’s side have not yet recorded a Premier League win this season but produced a strong European display in Spain, scoring two early first-half goals to control the match. Bournemouth will be at home for this Europa League fixture and are seeking consecutive wins in the competition despite their mixed domestic form.
SK Sturm Graz were held to a goalless draw by Stade Rennais in their opening Europa League match; the report states they failed to control the tempo and were not good enough in the final third. Facing a Premier League opponent away from home is described as an additional pressure for the Austrian visitors.
Evanilson, the 27-year-old Brazilian striker, was Bournemouth’s sole goalscorer in their 1-5 loss to Chelsea in their recent Premier League outing and will be looking to up his contribution in Europe. Jürgen Heil, 29, is identified as a player who can establish control in midfield and cause problems on the right flank, and the report notes he will be looking to engrave his name on the scoresheet.
Bournemouth will be without Julian Araujo, Alex Scott, Junior Kroupi and Justin Kluivert through injury, with Veljko Milosavljevic and Amine Adli also possibly missing due to fitness issues. SK Sturm Graz will be without Nelson Weiper, Gizo Mamageishvili, Otar Kiteishvili, Filip Rozga, Leon Grgic, Seedy Jatta and Emran Soglo, all of whom are listed as injured and set to sit out.
Projected Bournemouth XI: Petrovic (GK); Smith, Hill, Silva, Truffert; Adams, Christie; Brooks, Rayan, Tavernier; Evanilson. Projected SK Sturm Graz XI: Khudyakov (GK); Malic, Quarshie, Koller, Balbo; Weinhand, Stankovic; Heil, Matoshi, Seidl; Diakite.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-0 SK Sturm Graz.
The clash takes place at the Vitality Stadium on October 15. In India the match can be viewed live on Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV; in Austria coverage is on Canal+, Sky Austria and Servus TV. For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join their community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
