The International Club Friendly fixture between Sturm Graz and Copenhagen on January 14, 2026 in Graz promises an intriguing tactical battle between a resilient Austrian side and a Danish squad keen to build momentum during the winter break. While both clubs are fielding squads in experimental phases, the game provides a valuable stage for assessing squad depth and tactical flexibility ahead of their respective domestic campaigns. Notably, Fabio Ingolitsch of Sturm Graz and Jacob Neestrup of Copenhagen are both noted for their commitment to high-press structures and dynamic transitional play.
Among the players to watch, Sturm Graz’s Otar Kiteishvili stands out. His vision and technical ability in midfield have consistently been pivotal for the Austrians, especially in setting tempo and unlocking stubborn defenses. For Copenhagen, keep an eye on the ever-reliable forward Mohamed Elyounoussi, who brings a wealth of experience and attacking quality, despite the side’s recent stutter in front of goal.
The “hot stat” here: Sturm Graz have averaged 14 total shots per match in their last five games, reflecting their intent to play on the front foot and create opportunities – yet, their conversion rate remains an area for improvement.
| 🏆 Tournament: | International Club Friendly 2026 |
| 🏟 Venue: | Liebenauer Stadium, Graz |
| 🗓️ Date: | 14.01.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 17:00 CEST |
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Sturm Graz vs Copenhagen prediction
The best value prediction for this clash is a draw, with a slight lean towards a cagey, tactical contest. Both sides are still in pre-season mode, and while Sturm Graz have struggled to find wins (0% win rate in their last 3), Copenhagen’s recent results (1 win, 1 draw in last 2) suggest they will be competitive but not overly aggressive. Expect a structured midfield battle with limited clear chances, given both teams’ tendency for disciplined shape and solid defensive lines.
Examining both teams’ play, Sturm Graz’s 4-3-3 means they often control possession with short passing sequences (averaging 393 passes per recent matches, with 302 completed), but conversion remains their Achilles’ heel. They’re not shy of a tackle either, with 13 fouls per match and 2 yellows in their last outing. Copenhagen are more opaque on recent numbers but are known for efficient defending – a hallmark of Neestrup’s setup. This could limit open play opportunities for both sides, with set pieces and transitional phases possibly providing the narrow margins for any breakthrough.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Copenhagen Asian Handicap (0) Draw No Bet |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Under 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Under 9.5 |
Team Analysis
Sturm Graz: Their last fixture, a 2-2 draw against Club Brugge, showcased promise in attacking phases but also highlighted concerns in maintaining defensive discipline late in games. A positive was the creation of 14 shots, with attacking players like Tomi Horvat and Maurice Malone finding space between the lines. However, conceding twice – including one from a set piece – underlines why Ingolitsch’s men need further work tightening up at the back.
Copenhagen: Their most recent match, a 1-1 draw with Brann, was characterized by organized defending and disciplined build-up from the back. Defensive lapses were minimal, and while Copenhagen struggled to create shooting chances, their ability to smother opposition attacks stood out. The team’s disciplined defensive block, combined with Jacob Neestrup’s pragmatic approach, could result in another low-scoring encounter.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Sturm Graz | Copenhagen |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 1 |
| Total shots | 14 | 6 |
| Free kicks | 18 | 12 |
| Corner kicks | 8 | 7 |
| Total fouls | 13 | 11 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 77 | 80 |
| Interceptions | 6 | 4 |
| Offsides | 3 | 2 |
🚨Read our full Sturm Graz vs Copenhagen stats for more analysis.

Sturm Graz. Source: Official Website
Pre-game odds and win probability: Sturm Graz the favourite
- Moneyline Sturm Graz 2.40 | Copenhagen 2.75
- Draw 3.30
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.20 | Under 2.5 1.60
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.95 | No 1.80
The odds are tightly matched, reflecting the lack of clear dominance from either side. Oddsmakers slightly favor Sturm Graz on home turf, but the minor difference suggests an even contest. Under 2.5 goals is the lowest-priced market, backing up expectations for a testy, tactical meeting. Both teams to score is priced nearly even, reinforcing the sense that this match remains open without either side boasting strong recent scoring form.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
Possible Starting Lineups
Sturm Graz possible starting eleven
- GK: Matteo Bignetti
- DF: Niklas Geyrhofer, Emir Karic, Jeyland Mitchell, Arjan Malic
- MF: Otar Kiteishvili, Tomi Horvat, Jon Gorenc Stanković
- FW: Maurice Malone, Belmin Beganovic, Seedy Jatta
This setup sticks with the 4-3-3 formation favored by Sturm Graz in recent outings. Bignetti remains the likely pick in goal, protected by a back four that blends youth and experience. The midfield leverages Kiteishvili’s playmaking capacity alongside Horvat’s offensive instincts, while Malone anchors the front three. Watch for Arjan Malic, who impressed with a goal last game. Expect tactical flexibility, especially if chasing the game late on.
Copenhagen possible starting eleven
- GK: Kamil Grabara
- DF: Peter Ankersen, Kevin Diks, Nicolai Boilesen, Christian Sørensen
- MF: Lukas Lerager, Rasmus Falk, Victor Claesson, William Clem
- FW: Mohamed Elyounoussi, Orri Oskarsson
Copenhagen are set to line up in their preferred 4-4-2, aiming for solidity in midfield. Grabara provides leadership between the sticks, while experienced defenders such as Diks and Boilesen marshal the backline. The midfield quartet combines technical ability with work rate, and the partnership of Elyounoussi and Oskarsson up front is capable of troubling any defense when given service. Victor Claesson, with his vision and off-the-ball movement, is a player to monitor closely.
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Copenhagen. Source: Official Website
My take on the Match
This game looks finely poised, with little to separate the sides on paper or by form. My main pick is the “Draw No Bet” on Copenhagen, as their organization and slightly better momentum coming into the fixture could be decisive. Expect an evenly contested match, likely with few goals, shaped by defensive discipline and tactical setups rather than individual flair. If either side does edge it, look for set pieces or moments of individual quality from the likes of Kiteishvili or Elyounoussi to be the difference.
