This Graz derby puts Sturm's quick forward connections against GAK's delivery into a crowded penalty area. Sturm have retained a working attack through Hödl, Seidl and Diakite despite their absences. GAK bring a different threat through Michorl's corners and Lichtenberger's service, making aerial challenges and second balls central to the contest.
Michorl supplied Oberleitner's corner goal at Altach. Against Salzburg, Oberleitner's header and Anderson's effort following a Michorl corner both struck the woodwork. Lichtenberger also supplied Italiano's goal against Austria Vienna. Those sequences meet a Sturm defence whose Bournemouth defeat included a headed goal from a cross and a mishandled corner.
GAK's probable team repeats the Salzburg personnel, keeping those suppliers and receivers together. Sturm's missing creative and forward options have already been partly replaced by a functioning league attack, while Vallci is projected to start after appearing in Bournemouth. The selection rests on GAK's delivery matchup rather than a count of missing Sturm players.
I expect Sturm to look for quick attacks through their forwards, with GAK seeking wide service, corners and the next loose ball. GAK's strongest spell against Salzburg came after the interval, giving their attacking approach substance beyond the scoreless result. Their longer preparation and familiarity with the shared stadium support that continuity. That's why I'm siding with Grazer AK to come away unbeaten.
