Rapid Vienna vs Sturm Graz Prediction: Tough opener in the Austrian Bundesliga

In the Austrian Bundesliga League, Rapid Vienna will play Sturm Graz at Allianz Stadion. This will be the first game for the two sides this season, and they will come here with so much hope. Which team draws the first blood?

Rapid Vienna could only finish 4th in the championship group last season with 28 points; this season, they will hope for an improved record. However, that spot was enough to see them qualify for a European Europa League qualifier. 

In their game against their Polish opponent, Wisla, in the Europa League, Rapid Vienna won 1-2 in the first leg, and in a home game in the second leg, Rapid Vienna won 6-1. Ahead of this game, Rapid Vienna have not lost any of their last six league games, a run where they won five games and drew one. 

Sturm Graz will hope to defend their league win from last season, and a victory in this opener will be a perfect start. Last season, Sturm Graz had 44 points in the championship group in the league, two ahead of second-placed Red Bull Salzburg, thanks to their final day 2-0 win over Austria Klagenfurt. 

Their most recent encounter was against Kremser in the OFB Cup round 1/32, but they needed extra time to take themselves to the next round. Heading into this game, Sturm Graz have had two wins, one draw, and two defeats in their last five games. 

Sturm Graz will win this game. Last season, they had a very good performance, which earned them the league. While Rapid Vienna will be a tough side to beat after an impressive preseason and OFB Cup campaign, I expect them to score here. With anticipated offensive performances from the two teams, a bet on goals with Sturm Graz winning is a good option.