Hartberg vs Sturm Graz Prediction: The league leaders face a tough test on the road

PROfertil ARENA will be the venue for the round 13 Austria Bundesliga encounter between Hartberg and Sturm Graz. The last league encounter between these sides ended in a win for the road team. How will this one unfold?

Hartberg's last league encounter was against LASK Linz, and they settled for a 1-1 draw. In that game, Patrik Mijic's goal put this team in the lead before the break, but Hrvoje Smolcic's strike for LASK Linz denied them maximum points. However, Hartberg have won three of their last league matches, defeating Wolfsberger, BW Linz, and Austria Lustenau. This season, Hartberg have accumulated 16 points from 11 matches, while leaving them seated in the 6th spot. 

Sturm Graz's last encounter was against Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League, and they lost 1-0. However, this team's last league encounter was against Rapid Wien, and they settled for a 1-1 draw. In that game, Erencan Yardimci scored for this side in the second half, but a 90th-minute Dion Beljo strike denied this team maximum points. In their last five matches, Sturm Graz have two wins, coming against BW Linz and LASK Linz, while losing to Sporting CP. 

Hartberg have been playing well this season, and I expect them to be at their best here. However, Sturm Graz have been a tough side to beat in this fixture. This should be a competitive encounter, and I expect more from them. Take this game to end with goals from both ends, while the league leaders take maximum points.