Who will win Sturm Graz vs Rangers? Our writers predict Europa League clash

It's back to continental competition as Gers take on the Austrian champions and are in search of a first league phase win

After defeat on opening night to Genk, Russell Martin has another chance to get Rangers' European campaign up and running.

They are in Austria for the matchday two of the league phase of the Europa League to take on champions Sturm Graz.

A first Premiership win of the season was secured in draamtic fashion away to Livingston on Sunday, although Gers will have to up their game after needing a 94th minute Max Aarons strike to overcome the Lions.

They would absolutely take similar on Thursday night, when they will have a less than pristine pitch to contend with.

Fans won't be interested in any excuses if they don't get the job done however, with patience at an all time low with the manager and players despite winning at the weekend.

Here's how the Record Sport writers see the 90 minutes in Graz going.

Keith Jackson

Russell Martin can only hope that he's finally got momentum at his back after the late winner at Livingston. But he has little experience in Europe and it's been all too evident so far this season. The Austrians are suspect at the back butu Rangers have been powderpuff going forward. He desperately needs a win but may have to settle for a point.

Sturm Graz 1 Rangers 1

Scott Burns

The Austrian champions have lost key players since they lost the title. So that should give Rangers a good opportunity, but they will need to up their game from recent performances.

Sturm Graz 1 Rangers 1

Michael Gannon

Rangers will need to seriously raise their game against a Graz side who were better last week than their result against Midtjylland suggested. It’s hard to see Gers keeping a clean sheet but they could pose problems on the counter.

Sturm Graz 2-2 Rangers

Fraser Wilson

The Austrians sold their two main goal threats this year and aren't quite at the level of last season but with home advantage will still fancy their chances against Rangers. Russell Martin's side need to find a way to bolt the back door if they are to revive their campaign. There's goals there for them though and this could produce a handy point on the road.

Sturm Graz 2 Rangers 2

Gavin Berry

The Austrian champions have made a strong start to their title defence with five wins from their seven opening league games. But they have struggled in Europe and, like Rangers, suffered a Champions League qualifying hammering at the hands of Bodo/Glimt and lost their European League opener to Midtjylland. They have struggled at home, losing half of their four games so Rangers could nick a draw.

Sturm Graz 1 Rangers1

Andy Newport

The Austrians got off to a losing start last week against Midtjylland but have kicked off their domestic season in decent form with five wins from seven games. Russell Martin’s men, meanwhile, scraped to their first Premiership win at Livingston thanks only to a 94th-minute winner. The besieged boss will, however, hope that wild scenes at the Fare Set Arena will have boosted confidence levels enough to get a point on the road.

Sturm Graz 1 Rangers 1

Scott McDermott

After a nightmare Europa start against Genk at Ibrox, Rangers need to pick up points but it won't be easy against the Austrian champions. Graz have started their domestic campaign in decent form, while you've no idea what you're going to get from Russell Martin's side. If Gers can replicate some of the football they displayed in the first half against Livingston on Sunday, they can pick up a draw which, given the circumstances, wouldn't be a bad result.

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