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Liverpool vs. Sparta Prague Europa League Match Analysis
Liverpool is prepared to welcome Sparta Prague to Anfield for the conclusive second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie, holding a substantial lead from the first encounter.
Match Preview
Jurgen Klopp’s team dominated their Czech opponents 5-1 in the previous leg, although the scoreline did not fully reflect what happened at the epet Arena.
Alexis Mac Allister’s early penalty gave Liverpool the lead, and they endured a strong challenge from Sparta Prague with solid defending and the host’s missed opportunities.
Conor Bradley’s own goal for Sparta Prague, coupled with Darwin Nunez’s brace, extended Liverpool’s lead before Luiz Diaz and Dominik Szoboszlai added to the scoreline in the second half.
Klopp acknowledged that Liverpool could have faced a tougher challenge, but unless Sparta Prague can conjure up a remarkable comeback, Liverpool is poised to progress comfortably to the quarter-finals.
Liverpool, with a perfect record in the group stage, has won eight consecutive Europa League matches at home and could achieve a rare feat for an English team.
Despite a recent draw with Manchester City, denying them an eighth straight win in all competitions, Liverpool remains strong at home.
In contrast, Sparta Prague has struggled away from home, losing 17 of their last 21 continental matches on rival turf and facing defeats in their last four knockout away games.
The first-leg defeat seemed to affect Sparta Prague in their recent league match, ending a 10-game unbeaten run.
Unless there is a miraculous turnaround at Anfield, Sparta Prague is likely to exit the Europa League in the last-16 stage.
Recent Form
Liverpool: WWWWWD
Sparta Prague: WWWDLL
Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Sparta Prague
With little at stake for Sparta Prague after the heavy first-leg loss, players may be rested.
However, Liverpool has shown strength even without key players.
- Prediction: Liverpool Win
Expect goals as both teams favor attacking football.
Liverpool’s squad players will aim to impress, promising an entertaining match with fewer goals than the first leg.
- Betting Tip: Over 2.5
Possible Lineups
Liverpool: (4-3-3)
Kelleher;
Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas;
Szoboszlai, McConnell, Clark;
Elliott, Gakpo, Koumas
Sparta Prague: (3-4-3)
Vindahl Jensen;
Vitik, Krejci, Panak;
Preciado, Kairinen, Solbakken, Zeleny;
Birmancevic, Kuchta, Haraslin
