Sparta vs Liverpool Europa League Match Analysis
In the first match of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, Liverpool will confront Sparta in Prague.
Match Overview
Sparta, leading the Czech league with 60 points, has lost just one match in 23 league games and drawn three times.
Recently, Sparta played a crucial derby against second-placed Slavia, ending in a 0:0 draw despite Sparta’s advantage in gameplay.
In the previous Europa League round, Sparta surprisingly knocked out Galatasaray.
Although they lost 2:3 in Turkey, they dominated their opponents with a 4:1 victory at home.
Liverpool, facing significant personnel issues due to injuries, is still leading the Premier League.
In the previous round, Liverpool secured a win against Nottingham Forest in the eighth minute of extra time with a goal from Darwin Nunez.
Following the Sparta match, Jurgen Klopp’s team has a crucial game against Manchester City, likely prompting the use of an experimental lineup in Prague.
Prediction: Sparta Prague 1-1 Liverpool
Since September, Sparta Prague has not conceded more than one goal in a competitive home game.
Priske’s team should feel positive about continuing this trend against Liverpool, who historically struggle in Europa League away matches.
Given their key absentees and the upcoming clash with Manchester City, Liverpool may be content with a draw in the first leg in Prague before aiming to finish the job at Anfield.
- Prediction: Liverpool Double chance
- Betting Tip: Over 1.5 Goals
Possible Lineups
Sparta Prague: (3-4-3)
Vindahl;
Vitik, Krejci, Sorensen;
Preciado, Kairinen, Laci, Rynes;
Birmancevic, Kuchta, Haraslin
Liverpool: (4-3-3)
Kelleher;
Gomez, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas;
McConnell, Endo, Szoboszlai;
Elliott, Gakpo, Koumas