Sturm Graz v Stade Rennais: predicted line-ups for Europa League opener

Sturm Graz and Stade Rennais begin their Europa League league-phase campaigns against each other on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, with both sides expected to name competitive starting XIs despite a number of absences.

Sturm Graz

Daniil Khudyakov is expected to retain his place in goal for Sturm Graz, having established himself as the side’s first-choice goalkeeper.

The Austrian club are likely to include recent Ivory Coast recruit Oumar Diakite in attack. His energy is expected to lead the forward line, while Otar Kiteishvili brings experience to the team.

Sturm Graz will be without Emran Soglo, who has a hamstring injury, and Seedy Jatta, who is recovering from a shoulder problem. Leon Grgic is also unavailable after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament rupture.

Niklas Geyrhofer, Axel Kayombo and Szymon Wlodarczyk are not eligible to play in the match.

Sturm Graz predicted XI

Goalkeeper: Daniil Khudyakov

Defenders: Jurgen Heil, Joshua Quarshie, Albert Vallci, Arjan Malic

Midfielders: Simon Seidl, Valmir Matoshi, Jon Gorenc Stankovic, Jacob Hodl

Forwards: Oumar Diakite, Otar Kiteishvili

Stade Rennais

Stade Rennais are also expected to field a strong side, with several experienced players included in the predicted line-up.

Brice Samba is set to start in goal, while Valentin Rongier could operate in midfield. His role would be to control the tempo and provide protection in the centre of the pitch.

Ludovic Blas is expected to be one of Rennes’ main attacking threats. His creativity and ability to produce decisive moments in the final third could make him an important part of the visitors’ line-up.

Stade Rennais predicted XI

Goalkeeper: Brice Samba

Defenders: Mahamadou Nagida, Anthony Rouault, Charlie Cresswell, Przemysław Frankowski

Midfielders: Adrien Thomasson, Valentin Rongier, Mahdi Camara

Forwards: Issa Soumare, Esteban Lepaul, Ludovic Blas

The match will be Sturm Graz’s first game of the league phase of the Europa League, with Stade Rennais providing the opening opposition.

The available pre-match betting odds give Sturm Graz a price of 3.60 for victory, with a draw listed at 3.70. Rennes are priced at 1.83 to win.