Preview: Sturm Graz vs. PSV Eindhoven - prediction, team news, lineups

While the visitors started their Group B campaign with a 2-2 draw versus Real Sociedad, Sturm Graz went down by a 1-0 scoreline at Monaco.

Match preview

On the back of four straight wins in Eredivisie, everything appeared to be heading in the right direction for PSV ahead of their group opener with Sociedad.

However, since that four-goal thriller, PSV have been desperately poor on the domestic scene, only avoiding three games without success thanks to a late winner versus Go Ahead Eagles.

The capitulation at home to Feyenoord came as a monumental surprise, and their recent misery was heightened at the weekend as they went down 2-1 to surprise package Willem II.

While Schmidt is not under any immediate threat of losing his job, he will recognise that defeat on Thursday evening may change the perception of the club's board.

PSV's issues have been in defence with as many as 11 goals being conceded in six matches, a run of fixtures which also includes a clean sheet at AZ Alkmaar.

There will be those associated with Sturm Graz who are simply happy with the experience of ending their wait for another appearance in the group stages.

Nevertheless, after a spirited performance in Monaco, Christian Ilzer will feel that there is a window of opportunity for his side, particularly when it comes to achieving third place.

Sturm Graz have been in scintillating form in their homeland with 12 goals being scored during three matches since their Group B opener.

Although the goals have been spread out between the team, former West Ham United trainee Kelvin Yeboah comes into this fixture having contributed four strikes during that period.

Sturm Graz Europa League form:

Sturm Graz form (all competitions):

PSV Eindhoven Europa League form:

PSV Eindhoven form (all competitions):

Team News

Schmidt is expected to make a number of changes to his PSV starting lineup, potentially handing starts to Davy Propper and Bruma.

Goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo is in line to return between the sticks, while Armando Obispo could feature in the middle of the backline.

Noni Madueke is unlikely to return to the team as he continues to recover from the injury sustained against Go Ahead Eagles earlier this month.

With Jakob Jantscher suffering an injury against Rapid Vienna, Andreas Kuen is in contention to come into the Graz XI.

That could prove to be Ilzer's solitary change after his side stormed to a 3-0 victory in the Austrian capital.

Sturm Graz possible starting lineup:

Siebenhandl; Jager, Affengruber, Wuthrich, Dante; Hierlander, Stankovic, Kiteishvili; Sarkaria, Kuen; Yeboah

PSV Eindhoven possible starting lineup:

Mvogo; Mwene, Boscagli, Obispo, Max; Sangare, Propper; Bruma, Gotze, Gakpo; Zahavi

We say: Sturm Graz 1-2 PSV Eindhoven

Despite being clear favourites to win this fixture, we do not expect PSV to have it all their own way in Austria. However, their superior quality in the final third should shine through at some stage, potentially giving them the win by the odd goal in three.