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NS Mura host Sturm Graz at the Mesti Stadion Fazanerija on Thursday for the first leg of their Europa League qualifying encounter.
NS Mura defeated Zalgiris 1-0 on aggregate to reach this stage of the competition. Mura are ninth in the SNL table, with just two points from four matches played.
Their most recent league game was against Aluminij, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Mura took the lead in the 21st minute of the game courtesy of a Mitja Lotric goal, but Haris Kadric equalized for the hosts just 10 minutes later.
Meanwhile, Sturm Graz played LASK over the weekend in the league, winning the fixture with a convincing 3-1 scoreline. Kelvin Yeboah opened the scoring for Sturm Graz, while Manprit Sarkaria came off the bench to score a brace and earn his side a deserved three points.
NS Mura vs Sturm Graz Head-to-Head
This will be the first encounter between NS Mura and Sturm Graz.
NS Mura form guide: D-D-D-W-D
Sturm Graz form guide: L-W-W-W-W
NS Mura vs Sturm Graz Team News
NS Mura
Ziga Kous has been NS Mura's talisman in the Europa League, and he will look to continue his scoring streak against Sturm Gaz as well.
NS Mura have not reported any injuries ahead of their clash against Sturm Graz.
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Sturm Graz
Manprit Sarkaria's recent form has been stellar, and he might be rewarded with a place in the starting lineup for Thursday's affair. Kelvin Yeboah has been in fine form as well, and he will partner Sakaria upfront.
Like Mura, Sturm Graz will have a fully-fit squad for Thursday's game.
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
NS Mura vs Sturm Graz Predicted XI
NS Mura predicted XI (3-4-1-2): Matko Obradovic; Zan Karnicnik, Jan Gorenc, Matic Marusko; Ziga Kous, Tomi Horvat, Alen Kozar, Klemen Sturm; Luka Bobicanec; Amadej Marosa, Kai Cipot
Sturm Graz predicted XI (4-3-3): Jorg Siebenhandl; Gregory Wuthrich, Amadou Dante, David Affengruber, Jusuf Gazibegovic; Andreas Kuen, Jon Gorenc Stankovic, Stefan Hierlander; Otar Kiteishvili, Kelvin Yeboah, Manprit Sarkaria
NS Mura vs Sturm Graz Prediction
Sturm Graz have been in impeccable form lately and they are firm favorites to win the first leg of this Europa League clash. NS Mura's offense tends to misfire, and the visitors will fancy their chances of walking away with three points.
We predict that Sturm Graz will win this fixture by a narrow margin.
Prediction: NS Mura 0-1 Sturm Graz
