- Date: February 23rd
- Kick-Off Time: 8:00 PM (GMT)
- Stadium: epet ARENA
Sparta Praha vs Galatasaray Match Preview
The first leg was all about Mauro Icardi, whose brace was enough to give Galatasaray a slender 3-2 lead in the first leg. The Czechs fought back twice from a goal down, but it was not enough in the end.
A lot of fireworks are expected in the return leg clash at Epet Arena in Prague. The Turkish side will look to hold onto their slim lead in the 2nd leg as they are on a ten-game winning streak in all competitions ahead of their trip to the Czech Republic. Former Premier League ace Wilfried Zaha will be striving to make it to the starting line-up after appearing as a substitute in a 3-0 win over Ankaragucu.
On the other hand, Sparta is in a dire situation on Thursday where only a victory would calm the winds for the hosts, as playing their hearts out is the only option left. Sparta has had a strong presence at home, winning four out of their six matches, while drawing and losing the remaining.
Team News
Galatasaray will look to keep the bandwagon of victories rolling, following the 2-0 win over Istanbul Basaksehir, outshining Sparta Prague in a 3-2 win, before defeating Ankaragucu 3-0. The Lions have won twice, drawn four times, and had no losses in their last six away trips in the Europa League.
Sparta Prague could not build on the 3-0 win over Karvina, having lost immediately 3-2 against Galatasaray, before pulling out a 2-1 victory over Slovan Liberec. In their last six Europa League games, they have scored 13 times, conceding seven goals.
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Predicted XI:
Sparta Praha’s Predicted XI: Vindahl, Vitlik, Sorensen, Panak, Preciado, Kairinen, Laci, Haraslin, Karabec, Kuchta, Birmancevic
Galatasaray’s Predicted XI: Muslera, Ayhan, Bulbul, Sanchez, Kutlu, Demiray, Torreira, Yilmaz, Mertins, Akturkoglu, Icardi
Injury News:
Sparta Praha will miss out on Veljko Birmancevic (Suspended), Ladislav Krejci (Suspended), and Matej Rynes (Suspended).
Galatasaray will miss out on Victor Nelsson (Suspended), Tanguy Ndombélé (Muscle injury). Serge Aurier (Back injury), Kaan Ayhan (Muscle injury), and Hakim Ziyech (Thigh injury) will be doubtful.
Head to Head:
Sparta Praha 0 – Draws 0 – Galatasaray 1
Previous Matches:
Galatasaray last 5 matches
Ankaragucu 0 – 3 Galatasaray
Galatasaray 3 – 2 Sparta Prague
Galatasaray 2 – 0 Istanbul Basaksehir
Galatasaray 4 – 2 Bandirmaspor
Samsunspor 0 – 2 Galatasaray
Sparta Last 5 macthes
Sparta Prague 2 – 1 Slovan Liberec
Galatasaray 3 – 2 Sparta Prague
Karvina 0 – 3 Sparta Prague
Malmö FF 1 – 2 Sparta Prague
Bodø/Glimt 0 – 2 Sparta Prague
Prediction:
High-flying Galatasaray is predicted to progress in a game that will witness both sides fight it out. Score: 1-1
Odds and Betting Tips:
Sparta Prague: 2.80
Draw: 3.60
Galatasaray: 2.80
Source: Bet365 (subject to change)
Where to Watch:
- India: Sony Sports Network
- UK: TNT Sports
- US: CBS Sports
- France: Canal+
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