Liverpool vs. Sparta Prague Prediction & Betting Tips

As Liverpool aim to continue their trophy hunt under Jürgen Klopp's final campaign, Sparta Prague look to defy expectations and write a new chapter in their European history. The odds are overwhelmingly stacked against the Czech side and rightly so, as their European dream looks set to wither away for another season.

Date: 14/03/2024

Kick-off time: 20:00

Location: Anfield

Under the guidance of one of the greatest managers in the club's history, Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool are experiencing a season that could be etched in the annals of the club's rich history. Currently 2nd in the Premier League with 64 points, behind Arsenal on goal difference only, the Reds are not just participants in multiple competitions; they are fierce competitors vying for silverware. Already having secured the League Cup, Liverpool's ambitions do not stop there, with the team set on a path to potentially clinch three more trophies. This pursuit comes amidst an injury crisis that has tested the squad's depth and resilience, showcasing the strategic acumen of Klopp and his ability to adapt and thrive under pressure.

The first leg of the tie against Sparta Prague was a display of Liverpool's attacking prowess and tactical sophistication, ending in a dominant 5-1 victory. Notable performances included Alexis Mac Allister, Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz, and Dominik Szoboszlai, with Harvey Elliott making history by becoming the first English player to register three assists in a single game in the competition. Liverpool's imperious form at Anfield, with eight consecutive wins in this competition, sets the stage for another memorable European night.

Sparta Prague, currently leading the Czech First League with 60 points, face a daunting task in overturning the deficit from the first leg. Despite a strong domestic campaign, the vast gulf in class was evident in their previous encounter with Liverpool. Manager Brain Priske faces the challenge of galvanizing his squad and devising a strategy to counter Liverpool's multifaceted threat. Historical statistics paint a grim picture of Sparta's away form in European competitions, with the team having won only once in England in eleven attempts—a victory against Watford back in the 1983-84 season. Furthermore, Sparta's recent European road record shows a tendency to falter, having lost 17 of their last 21 away games.

The return leg at Anfield presents a tactical conundrum for both teams. Liverpool, buoyed by a significant first-leg advantage, might look to manage the game's tempo, keeping possession and exploiting spaces as Sparta pushes forward in search of goals. Klopp's genius lies in his ability to adjust tactics dynamically, ensuring Liverpool remains a formidable force regardless of the match's context.

For Sparta Prague, the task at hand requires a delicate balance between defensive solidity and offensive ambition. Manager Brain Priske must inspire a performance that not only curtails Liverpool's attacking threats but also carves out scoring opportunities. Key players like Darwin Núñez, who has notably improved this season, and the creative Harvey Elliott, will be crucial for Liverpool. In contrast, Sparta's main aim will be to restore some pride following the one-sided batter in Czechia last time out, as they come to Anfield just trying to claim a respectable result.

Liverpool Team News:

After two substitute appearances on the bounce now following a return from injury, Jürgen Klopp could hand Mohamed Salah a start here as the Reds attempt to build up the Egyptian's fitness. Youngster Jayden Danns may also be handed a start up top, with a number of changes likely here as Liverpool look to rest many of their top names.

Alisson, Ibrahima Konaté, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota will all continue to miss out for Liverpool.

Sparta Team News:

Sparta have a clean bill of health heading into this game and will likely make a number of changes from the weekend's game away at Viktoria Plzeň.

The likes of Asger Sørensen, Kaan Kairinen and Veljko Birmancevic should all return to the starting lineup this week.

Liverpool's form has been excellent despite the constraints thrown at them as they come into this game unbeaten in their last five games, winning four of those. On Sunday afternoon, Liverpool welcomed Manchester City to Anfield in what would be the last-ever game between the two sides with both Jürgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola at the helm. The game did not disappoint, providing end-to-end, enthralling football for large portions of the match with the scoreline ultimately ending 1-1, with an Alexis Mac Allister penalty early in the second-half cancelling out John Stone's first-half opener.

Liverpool feel very aggrieved not to have been awarded a penalty in the dying seconds of the game after Jérémy Doku's challenge on Mac Allister, and given their second-half dominance in general they'll feel they should have gotten more out of the game.

Nevertheless, the Reds have now lost only one of their last twenty games in all competitions and are flying.

By contrast, Sparta are coming into this game in rocky form having won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five games. The defeat to Liverpool may have sent the Czech side on a downward spiral as they fell to a heavy 4-0 defeat away at Viktoria Plzeň at the weekend, meaning they've now conceded nine goals in their last two games and are winless in their last three outings.

They did make a few changes for that game but many were likely a consequence of the hammering at the hands of Liverpool rather than handing players a rest, so the outlook for them ahead of this one is not good.

Liverpool will no doubt make a number of changes here but evidence from the last few weeks shows that is not a huge factor in the performance they deliver. They're simply a much better outfit than the team they're facing here and should get the job done fairly comfortably. We predict: Liverpool 3-1 Sparta Prague.

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Subscribed U.K. viewers can watch the game live on TNT Sports 1 while BBC Radio 5 Live will provide radio coverage of the events.

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