Liverpool FC is ready to earn an advantage against Sparta Prague as they meet for the first leg of their Round-of-16 in the Europa League. These two teams had different ways to reach the quarterfinals, with Liverpool having an easier road. Liverpool qualified in the Round-of-16, after winning their group stage, having 12 points in their campaign. Meanwhile, Sparta did not have it easy, as they need to win twice against Galatasaray to win here. Fortunately for Sparta, they had a 6-4 win win on aggregate, bouncing back from their first leg loss. The meeting between these two teams is on March 8, 2024, at 1:45 AM (GMT+8).
Liverpool FC
Liverpool, despite their recent success in the Premier League, have yet to win any of their last 16 European clashes with English teams. They lifted one road curse this month, thanks to an incorrect drop-ball decision at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground. Liverpool, who have already been crowned EFL Cup winners, resume their Europa League adventure after securing first place in Group E. However, they have not won any of their last 11 Europa League knockout games away from home. Their last such defeat occurring in 2009-10 against Unirea Urziceni. Despite their six-game winning run in all competitions, Liverpool’s injury list suggests otherwise. Their only previous visit to Sparta territory in the 2010-11 last 32 resulted in a goalless stalemate.
Liverpool’s Klopp received a quadruple fitness boost in a win at Nottingham Forest, with players like Nunez, Endo, Szoboszlai, and Robertson fit for the match. However, several players, including Matip, Doak, Jota, Becker, Bajcetic, and Gravenberch, are still working overtime. Salah is expected to return to training.
Sparta Prague
Sparta Prague, secured two-legged victories in the 2023-24 Europa League, overcoming a challenging group stage match against Galatasaray. Despite being beaten 3-2 in the first leg in Turkey, Sparta Prague made a remarkable 20-minute flurry in the reverse fixture. They sealed a thrilling 4-1 win and a 6-4 aggregate success. Sparta now bids to reach the Europa League quarter-finals for the second time under its current name. Sparta Prague host Liverpool on the back of consecutive meetings with Slavia Prague. The drab stalemate kept the reigning champions four points clear at the top of the Fortuna Liga standings. Additionally, they have not been put to the sword at epet Arena since their Champions League qualifying exit to Copenhagen in August.
Sparta Prague players, including captain Ladislav Krejci, Veljko Birmancevic, and Matej Rynes, are eligible for Europa League action after missing the second-leg match against Galatasaray. However, right-back Andreas Vindheim was not included in the knockout squad due to injury.
Prediction:
Liverpool FC (1.5)
Odds: -0.90
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