Sparta Prague take on the visitors Liverpool in the first leg of UEFA Europa League 1/8-finals. The match will be played on Thursday, February 7th at epet ARENA (Prague).
Sparta Prague have set all the key records in the Czech Republic in this sport. But in recent years, they often ended up climbing no higher than second place. Only last season did Brian Priske's charges manage to finish as leaders. And, by the way, they've been able to maintain that status, keeping all their pursuers at bay, led by neighboring Slavia. However, they failed to advance to the main round of the Champions League - they were knocked out in the qualifiers. But in the Europa League, they surprised everyone when, alongside Glasgow Rangers, they left favorites Real Betis in third place in the group. Moreover, in the first round of the playoffs, Galatasaray was considered no less of a contender and won the first match in Istanbul. But in Prague, they crushed their opponent 4-1, confidently securing a place in the round of 16.
| 2 x £10 Free Bet | Review | |||
| 100$-500$ for No Lose Free Bets | Review | |||
| 100% up to £200 | Review | |||
| Not available | Review |
Liverpool are unlikely to consider this tournament a priority. The Reds were able to show excellent football in Klopp's last season at Anfield. Jurgen certainly won't leave empty-handed - February ended with a victory in the League Cup thanks to van Dijk's single goal scored in extra time. And a couple of days later, they managed to thrash Southampton 3-0 in the country's cup. However, in that match, the German fielded many youngsters, simply responding to personnel problems and a tight schedule. Undoubtedly, the priority for spring will be the Premier League, where they not only manage to increase but also hold onto their leadership for a long time. That's where the main efforts will be directed, while in the Europa League, the English are likely to use a similarly experimental lineup, featuring plenty of reserves and youth, as they did in the fall. However, back then, this mix was enough for the Merseysiders to advance to the playoffs from first place. By the way, this helped in February - they skipped the round of 16. But now it's finally time to fight for the trophy.
In 2011, the Czechs also played against the English, also in the Europa League playoffs. Then there was a goalless draw in the Czech Republic and a minimal victory for the hosts at Anfield. The Merseysiders are considered clear favorites in this matchup. But the field may once again see the guests' youth, while the Czechs are serious. We recommend betting that there will be total over 2.5 goals scored here.
Prediction for the match: Over 2.5 scored goals.
