Supercomputer predicts result of Sturm Graz vs Rangers in Europa League
Rangers will look to bounce back from their opening Europa League defeat to Genk with a win over Austrian side Sturm Graz on Thursday.
Former Celtic striker Oh Hyueng-gyu scored the only goal of the game as Rangers started their European campaign disappointingly.
The match was played on the backdrop of huge fan protests at Ibrox, with over 12,000 Rangers supporters boycotting the Genk showdown.
Russell Martin’s side will travel to Graz on 2 October in desperate need of a win against the reigning Austrian champions.
Sturm Graz heavy favourites to beat Rangers
Despite victory over Livingston on Sunday, a loss for Rangers in Austria would be catastrophic.
Martin has been facing calls to be sacked for several weeks now, and the only way he can repair his relationship with the fans is to string together some wins.
According to Opta’s supercomputer, things could get worse for Martin as Sturm Graz have a higher chance of winning.
- Sturm Graz have been given a 43.9 per cent chance of claiming all three points
- Rangers have a 29.4 per cent chance of securing back-to-back victories for the first time under Martin
- A draw has been given a 26.8 per cent probability of occurring
Whilst the Light Blues are desperate to build on Sunday’s last-minute win, Martin may rotate the starting line-up to enable game time for certain squad players, including Youssef Chermiti.
- Read more: Derek Ferguson explains what Russell Martin must do to keep Rangers job after sack latest
Youssef Chermiti expected to make second start for Rangers
The service Chermiti received on his full debut was significantly hampered by Mohamed Diomande’s sending off versus Genk.
Despite this, his hold-up play was not up to scratch, and his passing was not of the calibre you’d expect for a man who cost £10million.
| Minutes played | 80 |
| Touches | 25 |
| Duels lost | 10 |
| Passing accuracy (percentage) | 67 |
Whilst he did not light up Ibrox by any stretch of the imagination, Miovski’s poor performance versus Livingston means that the 21-year-old could be in line to start up front.
Sturm Graz are coming into the match with confidence, and Chermiti will need to show his worth if Rangers are to be successful in the Europa League this season.
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