Sturm vs Hearts prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, July 21, 2026
In the Champions League qualification quarterfinals on July 21, 2026, the first match between Sturm and Hearts will take place. Both teams are eager to get off to a good start.
Sturm vs Hearts: Team News and Expert Analysis
The club from Graz achieved a "golden double" in the 2023/2024 season and managed to retain their championship title in the following campaign. However, in the most recent championship, they fell behind LASK by a couple of points and settled for second place. The young manager, Ingolitsch, who arrived only at the beginning of this calendar year, retained his position.
The team from Edinburgh was close to a major upset. They led the Premiership for a long time, but in the final stretch, Celtic's class and experience prevailed, edging out the bold contender by two points, 82 to 80, after winning the decisive head-to-head match in the last round. Nevertheless, second place was still a great result for the players, even if it wasn't capped with a title.
The Austrians averaged 1.59 goals scored and conceded 1.09 per match. The Scots netted 1.76 goals per game and conceded half as many, 0.89 per round.
Previous Matches: Sturm vs Hearts
This is the first ever meeting between these two clubs—they have never faced each other before, not even in friendlies, let alone in European competitions.
Home advantage will be crucial for both sides. We recommend betting on the ambitious Austrians to secure a win here (odds – 1.91).
Sturm vs Hearts: Key Statistics and Trends
- Sturm has not lost an official match since February
- Hearts have won their last two friendly matches
Sturm vs Hearts: Probable Starting Line-ups
Sturm plays in a 1-3-4-1-2 formation (probable line-up): Khudyakov – Koller, Mitchell, Fallci – Karic, Gorenc-Stankovic, Weinhadl, Hedl – Kiteishvili – Jatta, Malone
Hearts play in a 1-4-4-2 formation (probable line-up): Schwolow – Milne, Findlay, Steinwender, Kingsley – Altena, Baningime, Devlin, Kiziridis – Kabore, Shankland
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team's position in the Champions League qualification standings
