Sturm Graz welcome Hearts to Merkur-Arena on Tuesday evening for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League second qualifying round tie.

The Austrian runners-up have become regulars on the European stage over the past five seasons and will start as favourites on home soil, while Hearts return to Champions League qualifying for the first time in two decades under new head coach Wouter Vrancken.

With a place in the third qualifying round at stake, both sides know a positive result could prove decisive ahead of next week’s return leg in Edinburgh.

Sturm Graz hoping European pedigree makes the difference

Sturm Graz have established themselves as one of Austria’s most consistent clubs in recent years, and another runners-up finish in the Bundesliga has earned them another opportunity to compete on Europe’s biggest stage.

Fabio Ingolitsch’s side head into the tie in excellent form, having lost just one of their last 20 matches in all competitions. They have also enjoyed a productive pre-season, winning four of six friendlies, including a 1-0 success over Polish outfit Pogon Szczecin courtesy of Axel Kayombo’s late winner.

The Austrians have qualified for either the Champions League or Europa League proper in each of the last five seasons, giving them valuable experience that few clubs entering this stage of qualifying can match.

Amady Camara misses both legs with a thigh injury, but Kayombo and Seedy Jatta are expected to lead the attack. Sturm will also hope influential playmaker Otar Kiteishvili is fit enough to feature after recovering from injury.

Hearts eager to mark Champions League return

A new era begins for Hearts as Wouter Vrancken takes charge of his first competitive match since replacing Derek McInnes this summer.

The Belgian inherits a squad that came agonisingly close to winning the Scottish Premiership last season and now has the opportunity to guide the Edinburgh club into the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.

Preparations have been encouraging despite an opening pre-season defeat to Livingston. Hearts responded with consecutive victories, including an impressive 2-1 win over Spanish side Rayo Vallecano, with Claudio Braga and an exciting supporting cast beginning to show signs of promise.

The visitors are expected to line up with Braga leading the attack, supported by Alexandros Kyziridis, Sabri Guendouz and summer signing Calvin Miller. Tom Renaud and Oisin McEntee should anchor the midfield in front of central defenders Malachi Fagan-Walcott and Jamie McCart.

While Hearts’ recent away record leaves room for improvement, confidence has grown during pre-season and they will believe they can remain firmly in the tie before next week’s return leg.

Verdict: Home advantage gives Sturm the edge

Sturm Graz’s European experience and formidable home record make them deserved favourites heading into the first leg.

Hearts have shown encouraging signs under their new manager and should provide stubborn opposition, but the Austrians are well accustomed to the demands of UEFA competition and rarely give much away at Merkur-Arena.

The Scottish side should remain competitive, though Sturm look well placed to take a narrow advantage to Tynecastle.

Tip

Sturm Graz to win.