On Thursday night, Liverpool will resume their Europa League duties with a grueling journey to the epet Arena in Sparta Prague for the opening leg of their last-16 encounter.
The Reds were able to avoid the playoffs altogether by taking top place in Group E, but Brian Priske’s squad had to stage an incredible comeback in order to defeat Galatasaray, who had already been eliminated from the Champions League.
| Top 3 markets | Best odds at bookmakers |
| Draw or Liverpool: ⚽ | 1.25 at Bet9ja |
| Under 2.5 goals: 🥅 | 2.25 at 1xbet |
| Full time draw: ✅ | 3.90 at Sportybet |
Sparta Prague and Liverpool: Previous Games
These teams have only ever met twice. When the Europa League was still in its original structure, in the 2010–11 season, they met in the round of 32. While neither side was able to score in Prague, Dirk Kuyt scored in stoppage time to give his team a 1-0 victory at home.
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Probable Sparta Prague Lineup
Vindahl; Vitik, Krejci, Sorensen; Preciado, Kairinen, Laci, Rynes; Birmancevic, Kuchta, Haraslin
Probable Liverpool Lineup
Kelleher; Gomez, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; McConnell, Endo, Szoboszlai; Elliott, Gakpo, Koumas
Betting tips: Sparta Prague x Liverpool
Check out our predictions of the day for Sparta Prague vs. Liverpool
Prediction 1: Sparta Prague x Liverpool / Draw or Liverpool
Liverpool has a terrible Europa League record, but Priske’s stubborn troops are looking to keep winning at home. Sparta Prague hasn’t allowed more than one goal in a significant match since September.
Liverpool could be satisfied with a tie after the first leg in Prague and want to seal the deal in the second leg at Anfield. This is because they will be facing Manchester City soon and have a number of key players out with injuries.
Prediction 2: Sparta Prague x Liverpool / Under 2.5 goals
Liverpool are heavy favorites to advance to the next round, given their recent record. Still dealing with several injuries, they will need to pull together in a tough atmosphere away from home if they want to achieve a result. We believe this encounter will be very tight and will go for under 2.5 goals here.
Prediction 3: Sparta Prague x Liverpool / Full time draw
With Priske’s tenacious charges hoping to extend their unbeaten run at home against Liverpool, a team with a poor Europa League track record, Sparta Prague haven’t let in more than one goal in a meaningful match since September.
Liverpool may be content to leave Prague with a draw after the first leg before trying to finish the job at Anfield in the return match. This is because they have a lot of selection issues due to their notable absentees and their upcoming fight with Manchester City.