Sparta Praha vs Liverpool Match Preview
Czech giants Sparta Praha will host English giants Liverpool in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final clash on March 7.
Sparta enter this game on the back of a great run of form. Having lost just once in their last eight games, they seemed ready for the knockouts. They scored 16 goals in their last five outings as they looked to put their best foot forward. Their last outing was a thrilling 3-2 win over Slavia Praha after Adam Karabec’s late penalty won it.
The Reds, on the other hand, enter this contest on the back of a five-match winning streak. In that time, Jurgen Klopp’s men have netted 15 times and conceded just three goals. Their last game was a comfortable 3-0 win at Southampton as a Brace from Jayden Danns sealed the deal. They will look to extend their winning run in their next outing.
That said, let’s take a look at the team news coming out of both camps.
Sparta Praha vs Liverpool Team News
Sparta Praha
Head coach Brian Priske will have a very short injury list to deal with ahead of this contest. The Czechs will be without just one player as defender Andreas Vindheim remains sidelined with an unknown injury.
The manager used all six of his substitutes in their 3-2 win over Slavia, with most players featuring for at least half hour. Some of the starters even completed the entire 120 minutes. However, Priske will likely go full-strength again.
Liverpool
The Reds, on the other hand, have a lengthy injury list to navigate as they gear up for the business end of the season. Defenders Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold, as well as forward Diogo Jota are out with knee ligament injuries.
Mohamed Salah has muscular problems, while first-choice ‘keeper Alisson is out with hamstring issues. The midfield trio of Curtis Jones, Thiago Alcantara, and Ryan Gravenberch are also out of contention.
Sparta Praha vs Liverpool Predicted Lineups
Sparta Praha
Prise will retain the same XI that started their last game.
Predicted XI: Vojtech Vorel (GK), Filip Panak, Asger Sorensen, Ladislav Krejci, Angelo Preciado, Qazim Laci, Kaan Kairinen, Matej Rynes, Victor Olatunji, Veljko Birmancevic, Indrit Tuci.
ALSO READ: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp provides Alisson Becker injury update.
Liverpool
Klopp will likely field the same XI as well.
Predicted XI: Caoimhim Kelleher (GK), Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Virgil van Dijk (C), Konstantinos Tsimikas, James McConnell, Joe Gomez, Bobby Clark, Harvey Elliott, Cody Gakpo, Lewis Koumas.
Sparta Praha vs Liverpool Head-to-Head Record
These sides have met just twice before. They faced each other in the Europa League Round of 32 in the old format of the tournament back in the 2010-11 season. The teams played a goalless draw in Prague, while a late Dirk Kuyt header secured a 1-0 win at home.
- Liverpool 1-0 Sparta Praha (02/11)
- Sparta Praha 0-0 Liverpool (02/11)
Sparta Praha vs Liverpool Prediction
Considering the form Liverpool have been in, they are firm favourites to progress to the next round. However, with several injuries still to deal with, they will have to dig deep to earn a result away from home in a hostile environment.
Prediction: Sparta Praha 1-2 Liverpool.
Sparta Praha vs Liverpool Betting Tips & Odds
Sparta Praha have seen both teams score in each of their last five games, with all of them having three or more goals scored. The Reds, on the other hand, have kept three clean sheets on the bounce. However, prior to that, they saw both teams score in each of their last five.
Sparta Praha vs Liverpool Tips
- Both Teams to Score – Yes: 1.65
- Over 2.5 Goals – Yes: 1.68
- Sparta Praha to score in 2nd Half – Yes: 1.92
Sparta Praha vs Liverpool Odds
- Sparta Praha Win: 4.10
- Draw: 4.10
- Liverpool Win: 1.82
Sparta Praha vs Liverpool Timings & Telecast
- Date & Time: Thursday, March 7th at 5:45 PM (GMT).
- India: SonyLIV app & website.
- UK: TNT Sports.
- US: CBS Sports Network.
ALSO READ: Liverpool to target Roberto De Zerbi should they fail to land Xabi Alonso as manager: Reports.