SK Sturm Graz receives a significant creative boost ahead of their ÖFB Cup match against ASK Voitsberg. Key offensive players Otar Kiteishvili and Filip Rozga have returned to the matchday squad.
The first-round cup tie kicks off on Saturday at 3:30 PM. For Sturm Graz, it's the first competitive match of the season outside the Bundesliga. Under coach Christian Ilzer, the team are clear favourites against the regional league side from Styria.
Otar Kiteishvili and Filip Rozga are available again after injury absences. Kiteishvili, a central playmaker in Ilzer's system, was recently missing in the league. His return is a major gain for the team's build-up play. Rozga, who can be deployed flexibly in attack, also enriches the options from the bench. Both players were fully integrated into team training on Friday and are ready for minutes.
This personnel boost comes at a good time. In the Bundesliga, Sturm Graz currently sits in fourth place after five matchdays. The team has eight points from two wins, two draws, and one loss. Their goal difference is positive one, with six scored and five conceded. The recent form line of loss, draw, win, draw, draw (LDWWD) shows room for improvement, especially in efficiency.
The game against ASK Voitsberg primarily serves to find rhythm and reintegrate the returning players carefully. For coach Ilzer, the competition is a chance to utilise squad rotation and test potential alternatives for the league campaign. A confident advance to the next round is expected to quickly refocus on the Bundesliga.
There, a top-of-the-table clash against leaders LASK Linz awaits on September 13th. Trailing the Linz side by seven points, this home game at the Merkur Arena is key for the early title race.
Sturm Graz's Bundesliga record is mixed. The defence has been relatively stable with five goals conceded, but with only six goals scored, the attack clearly needs to improve. This is exactly where the returning players should help. Kiteishvili is known for his precise passes and unpredictable actions in the final third.
The current league table and detailed season statistics are available in our standings and stats sections. Kiteishvili's return is particularly notable as he was recently listed in our injuries overview. His recovery is proceeding according to plan.
Preparation for Voitsberg has been focused. Ilzer emphasised the importance of a professional attitude in the final training session, regardless of the supposedly weaker opponent. Sturm Graz's last competitive match was a 1-1 draw against SCR Altach. The next Bundesliga home game against LASK Linz on September 13, 2026, is already sold out.
