Sparta Prague - Liverpool predictions and free betting tips [07/03/2024]

On Thursday, 7th March, as part of the first match of the Europa League 1/8 final, Sparta will host Liverpool on their home ground. The Reds took first place in Group E and did not participate in the 1/16 final, whereas Brian Priske's charges had to put forth a brilliant performance against Galatasaray.

Sparta

Prague's Sparta finished second in its Europa League group, second only to Rangers, but ahead of Betis and Aris Limassol. As a result, the Czechs had to go through the playoff round: Prague initially lost to Galatasaray (3:2), but totally turned the tables in the return home match with a resounding victory (4:1). In their league, the red-whites continue to lead the standings with a four-point gap from Prague's Slavia, with whom they drew 0:0 last weekend. Prior to this match, Brian Priske's men had a remarkable nine-game winning streak. Now, for only the second time in history, Sparta may reach the Europa League quarter-final if they beat Liverpool. The last time in the 2015-16 campaign, they were eliminated by Villarreal at this stage of the tournament.

It's worth noting that the Prague team has not lost at home in the last 15 matches. Sparta’s defender Windheim, out due to injury, is still not available; as well as midfielders Pesek and Pavelka, who are likely to remain off the field after missing the derby last weekend. On the contrary, left back Raines returns to the squad after a suspension for the return match with Galatasaray. The same applies for key players Birmancevic (6 goals and 7 assists in the league, 3 goals) and Krejci. Successful forward Jan Kuhta (7 goals and 5 assists) scored his 3rd goal in all competitions last week, and he'll prove competition for Haraslin (4 goals) in the attack, while experienced Laci and Kairinen are expected to appear in the midfield.

Liverpool

Liverpool's performance in the Europa League group stage was far from ideal. In the last three rounds, the Merseysiders suffered two losses – from Toulouse (3:2) and Union Saint-Gilloise (2:1). Fortunately for them, these defeats didn't prevent the Reds from taking the first place in the quartet and avoiding battles in the round of 1/16 last month. Two weeks ago, Jurgen Klopp's charges defeated Chelsea (0:1) to win the League Cup, and last Wednesday "Liverpool" quietly dealt with Southampton (3:0) in the 1/8 final of the FA Cup. Over the weekend, with Darwin Nunez's 99th-minute goal, the guests defeated Nottingham Forest (0:1), securing first place in the Premier League standings (one point ahead of Manchester City). It’s important to mention that "Liverpool" has not won any of their last 11 away playoff matches in the Europa League – the last success was achieved against the now non-existent Romanian club Unirea Urziceni in the 2009-10 campaign. 

Jurgen Klopp continues to deal with a series of absences, including key players Alisson and Alexander-Arnold, as well as Diogo Jota. Midfielders Jones, Thiago Alcantara, Bajcetic and centre back Matip remain unavailable due to injury. Uruguayan Darwin Nunez and Hungarian Soboslai returned to the squad last weekend, with the former even scoring his 10th goal of the season. It is expected that Mo Salah (15 goals) will appear in the Merseysiders' line-up, whereas youngsters Elliott (2 goals and 2 assists), Gakpo (5 goals and 3 assists), and Luis Diaz (6 goals and 3 assists) are sure to join the attack; Van Dijk and Konate should take up positions in central defence.

Head to Head

The last time these two clubs met was in 2011 in the Europa League 1/8 final. Then, Prague's "Sparta" held a draw at home (0:0), but lost the return game 1:0.

Prediction for the match Sparta – Liverpool

"Liverpool" historically hasn't been particularly successful away in the Europa League playoffs, and the current personnel losses and tight schedule certainly do not make the visitors stronger from game to game. "Sparta" dissected "Galatasaray" into atoms and is leading its league – there's no reason to believe that the Prague team will surrender without a fight on their own field. My prediction is a plus handicap for the underdog.