Brest Predicted XI v Sturm Graz: Abdallah Sima to Start, Pierre Lees-Melou Remains Out

Preview

Brest will host Sturm Graz in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday, September 15, 2022. Brest are currently in 17th place in Ligue 1, while Sturm Graz are top of the Austrian Bundesliga.

Brest will be without the services of Pierre Lees-Melou, who is still recovering from a knee injury. Abdallah Sima is expected to start in attack for Brest, while Islam Slimani is also in contention to feature.

Sturm Graz will be looking to build on their impressive start to the season. They have won their first four league games and are yet to concede a goal. Jakob Jantscher and Manprit Sarkaria are both expected to start in attack for Sturm Graz.

The match is likely to be a close affair. Both teams have quality players and will be looking to start their Europa Conference League campaign with a win.

Predicted XI

**Brest:** Bizot; Duverne, Chardonnet, Dari, Brassier; Camara, Belkebla, Lees-Melou; Honorat, Mounie, Slimani **Sturm Graz:** Siebenhandl; Gazibegovic, Wuthrich, Affengruber, Dante; Prass, Kiteishvili, Horvath; Jantscher, Sarkaria, Boving

Key Battles

* **Abdallah Sima vs Gregory Wuthrich:** Sima is a pacey and skilful forward who will be looking to get in behind the Sturm Graz defence. Wuthrich is a solid and experienced defender who will be looking to keep Sima quiet. * **Islam Slimani vs David Affengruber:** Slimani is a powerful and clinical striker who will be looking to score goals for Brest. Affengruber is a young and talented defender who will be looking to make a name for himself against Slimani. * **Jakob Jantscher vs Jean-Kevin Duverne:** Jantscher is a tricky and creative winger who will be looking to create chances for Sturm Graz. Duverne is a quick and athletic full-back who will be looking to stop Jantscher from having an impact on the game.

Prediction

This is a tough match to call. Both teams have quality players and will be looking to start their Europa Conference League campaign with a win. I think Sturm Graz will edge it, but it could go either way. **Sturm Graz to win 2-1**