**Rennes roll into Graz as clear favorites** — the French outfit's won three of five and just toppled Marseille, while Sturm's mixed domestic form leaves them vulnerable in a Europa League opener. 🇦🇹 vs 🇫🇷

Sturm have the home crowd but no margin for error. Rennes' attack has been prolific (3-2, 2-1, 1-0 wins), and they'll fancy their chances against a Graz side that shipped three at Rapid Wien last time out. Expect Rennes to press early and dictate tempo.

Key storylines:

- **S. Włodarczyk** and **S. Jatta** need to stay tight defensively; Rennes' front five moves the ball with precision
- **V. Rongier** orchestrating from midfield for Rennes — if he controls the pace, Sturm are in real trouble
- Home advantage at the Merkur Arena could be Sturm's only weapon; they'll hunt set pieces and transition chaos

Expected lineups:

- **SK Sturm Graz**: D. Khudyakov, A. Vallci, J. Mitchell, P. Petrović, P. Koller, J. G. Stanković, J. Heil, J. Hödl, S. Seidl, S. Jatta, S. Włodarczyk
- **Stade Rennais**: K. Belazzoug, C. Cresswell, A. Rouault, M. Nagida, A. A. Boudlal, P. Frankowski, V. Rongier, A. Thomasson, S. Szymański, M. Camara, E. Lepaul

Prediction:

**1-2 Rennes** — Sturm's home turf keeps it respectable, but Rennes have the edge in firepower and experience. 📍