Sparta Prague v Liverpool Preview
Sparta Prague host Liverpool on Thursday night in the first leg of their Europa League last 32 series. It will be Kenny Dalglish’s first European match since he returned as Liverpool boss and his team are the favourites to win.
Under Dalglish, Liverpool’s comeback in the Premier League could lead to a Champions League spot but they will focus on the Europa League this week. Unlike his predecessor Roy Hodgson, Dalglish is expected to start a strong side in international competition since Liverpool are out of the FA Cup.
If Raheem Sterling plays, he will be the youngest player ever to make his debut for Liverpool at age 16. Raul Meireles has five goals in the last six games, including four scores in four matches. He is a quality bet to score first with 13/2 odds at Bet365. There are health concerns over Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel but both are expected to play in Prague.
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last six fixtures and have kept four clean sheets in five matches. The Reds can be backed to win to nil for 21/10 odds at Bet365. Also worth noting is that their last three wins had level scores at the half. Liverpool have been playing brilliantly on away from home. They are unbeaten in their last five away matches in Europe and in ten fixtures overall.
Sparta Prague have lost nine of their last 15 matches against English sides. They have drawn two of three home fixtures in the Europa League and haven’t won a last 32 match since the 2001/02 Champions League season. Their best source of goals is Wilfried Bony who is second in the Europa League with five scores. He has decent value to score first with 7/1 odds at Bet365.
Sparta Prague are second in the Czech first division. They haven’t played since December due to their winter break so Liverpool could take advantage. Sparta have conceded 11 goals in the last 17 matches so the odds are suggesting Liverpool could get away with a one goal win.
Sparta Prague v Liverpool Match Odds (supplied by Bet365)
Sparta Prague: 3/1
Draw: 12/5
Liverpool: 10/11