Sparta Prague vs Galatasaray Match Analysis
Match Preview
Sparta Prague will welcome Galatasaray at the epet ARENA for the second leg of their Europa League knockout round playoff on Thursday night.
The Czech side faces a daunting task as they need to overturn a deficit to progress, having conceded a stoppage-time goal in the first leg.
Sparta Prague, who narrowly missed out on top spot in their Europa League group to Rangers, now face a tough test to stay in the competition after a dramatic first encounter against Galatasaray.
On the domestic league, Sparta retained their lead at the top of the Czech First League with a 2-1 win over Liberec.
They now turn their attention back to Europe, needing a comeback at home to advance.
Galatasaray, on the other hand, will be looking to extend their winning streak to 11 matches across all competitions on Thursday.
Okan Buruk’s side followed their first-leg victory over Sparta Prague with a comfortable 3-0 win over Ankaragucu to stay top of the Turkish Super Lig.
However, they will be wary of the threat Sparta Prague carries, especially as their away form in Europe has been patchy, losing two of their three matches on the road.
With their tendency to both score and concede in most European matches this season, it remains to be seen whether that trend will continue and benefit them in Prague.
Prediction: Sparta Prague 1-2 Galatasaray
The away team is in excellent form, dominating the Turkish league.
Their victory against the home side in the first leg further enhances their chances of winning away once more.
Meanwhile, the home team is also in good spirits, having secured a win in their weekend fixture with a 2-1 scoreline.
They aim to capitalize on home advantage against the visitors.
- Prediction: Galatasaray Win
Considering the exciting match both teams had in their first encounter, our second prediction suggests Over 2.5 Goals, indicating a likelihood of a similar outcome given the current form of both sides.
- Betting Tip: Over 2.5 Goals
Possible Lineups
Sparta Prague: (3-4-3)
Vindahl;
Vitik, Vydra, Panak;
Preciado, Kairinen, Laci, Zeleny;
Karabec, Kuchta, Olatunji
Galatasaray: (4-2-3-1)
Muslera;
Ayhan, Sanchez, Bardakci, Kutlu;
Demirbay, Torreira;
Yilmaz, Mertens, Zaha;
Icardi