Sturm Graz vs Hearts Prediction: Stalemate expected in Austria on Tuesday

Hearts travel to Austria on Tuesday to face Sturm Graz in the first leg of their second qualifying round in the UEFA Champions League (8:30pm local time/7:30pm BST). The Scottish visitors have waited 20 years to get back to competing in a UCL match.

Read on for my Sturm Graz vs Hearts predictions, aided by the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

A thigh strain is going to stop Sturm Graz's striker Amady Camara from taking part in both legs of this tie. Axel Kayombo and Seedy Jatta are expected to lead the line for the hosts as a result.

Jacob Hodl and Emran Soglo should operate as the wing-backs to offer the two front men support. Manager Fabio Ingolitsch is hoping that attacking midfielder Otar Kiteishvili is available to feature on Tuesday.

Having lost Lawrence Shankland to Rangers this summer, Hearts will look to Claudio Braga more than ever for inspiration in the final third. Alexandros Kyziridis, Sabri Guendouz and summer signing Calvin Miller should be the trio to aid the Portuguese striker in attack.

Sturm Graz vs Hearts Odds

Given that they have more experience in Europe, Betfred is expecting Sturm Graz to prevail in this first leg with a 4/5 price.

Hearts are a 3/1 bet to triumph in Austria, while the draw is available at 13/5.

Only one of the hosts' last four games have failed to go Over 2.5 Goals, which is on offer here at 8/11.

Hearts' Braga is a 5/2 shot to score anytime on Tuesday.

Match Result - Draw @ 13/5

With the home advantage against a side who are not used to being involved in Europe's most glamorous competition, Sturm Graz will feel as though they should capitalise in this first leg.

However, Hearts were a strong force last season as they pushed for the Scottish Premiership title. Their league phase experience in the UEFA Conference League should have them better prepared for these qualifiers.

Shankland and Derek McInnes were big losses for the Jam Tarts this summer, but they still have a solid base with the team that the latter assembled. Wouter Vrancken has big shoes to fill but he's built up a good reputation in Belgium.

Having just led his side to a 2-1 victory over last season's Conference League finalists Rayo Vallecano, I feel as though they are capable of earning a hard-fought draw in Graz.

Both Teams To Score - Yes @ 4/6

I think we'll see both teams find the net on Tuesday because this has been a winning selection in each of Hearts' previous three fixtures heading into this clash. This bet has also landed in four of Sturm Graz's five most recent games.

The hosts have scored 19 goals across their past six outings and so they're looking sharp in the final third. Hearts have some strong attacking options themselves, including Amadou Ba-Sy, who struck twice in the victory over Rayo Vallecano last time out.

BTTS - Yes is available at 4/6, which has an implied probability of 60%.