Fenerbahçe welcome Austrian champions Sturm Graz to the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie, with both clubs just two rounds away from securing a place in the league phase of Europe’s premier club competition.

The Turkish giants come into the encounter with high expectations after strengthening their squad during the summer and successfully navigating the previous qualifying round. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd has long been one of Fenerbahçe’s biggest advantages, and they will be determined to take a healthy lead into next week’s return leg in Austria. The Istanbul side also have fond memories of facing Sturm Graz, having eliminated the Austrian club in European qualifying when the teams last met.

Sturm Graz, however, arrive in Turkey full of confidence after an impressive start to their European campaign. The Austrian champions produced dominant performances in the previous round to book their place in this tie and have carried their disciplined, high-intensity style into the new season. Christian Ilzer’s side have shown they are capable of troubling stronger opponents and will believe they can secure a valuable result away from home.

Both teams possess plenty of attacking quality, making this an intriguing first-leg contest. Fenerbahçe are expected to control possession and create the bulk of the chances, while Sturm Graz have the pace and organisation to threaten on the counterattack. With neither side likely to settle for a cautious approach given the importance of building momentum before the second leg, an entertaining encounter with goals at both ends looks a strong possibility.

Fenerbahçe to Win & Both Teams To Score (Yes) at 39/20