Dunfermline's European Remontada Bid
Dunfermline's Champions League qualifying ambitions are on the line as they face Sturm Graz at Tynecastle. Can they pull off a dramatic comeback like Barcelona's 2017 remontada?
What happened?
Dunfermline's manager Wouter Vrancken is preparing for a stiff challenge against Sturm Graz. The team needs to score four goals without reply to force extra time. This is a tall order, especially after their 4-0 defeat in Austria last week.
Why it matters for Dunfermline
Hearts supporters are hoping for a famous night at Tynecastle. A win would be a minor miracle, but it's not impossible. Dunfermline has precedence for dramatic comebacks, dating back to their 6-2 win over Valencia in the 1962-63 Fairs Cup.
What comes next?
Six players could make their Hearts home debuts, but Cammy Devlin and Lawrence Shankland won't be available. The team needs to find a way to overcome their four-goal deficit and secure a spot in the Champions League.
Dunfermline's current league standing is 4th in the Championship, with 51 points from 36 games. They have scored 52 goals and conceded 41, with a goal difference of +11. They are 26 points behind leaders St Johnstone and have lost their last three matches.
In their last result, Celtic defeated Dunfermline 3-1 on May 23. Dunfermline's recent form has been poor, with a record of 0W-2D-3L (LLLDD) in their last five matches. They will need to turn their form around if they want to succeed against Sturm Graz.
