In what promises to be an intriguing showdown, Sparta Prague are set to face off against Liverpool in the Europa League on Tuesday, with both teams vying for a coveted spot in the quarterfinals. Liverpool are the favourites, but an injury crisis means their prospects here are more up in the air than they normally would be.
Date: 07/03/2024
Kick-off time: 17:45
Location: epet ARENA
For Sparta Prague, the Europa League represents an opportunity to showcase their dominance in the Czech First League and make a statement on the European stage. Currently sitting at the top of the league table, four points clear of city rivals Slavia, Sparta have enjoyed a strong season domestically and are eager to translate that success into European competition.
Sparta's journey to the last 16 of the Europa League was marked by a thrilling victory over Galatasaray in the playoff round. Despite a 3-2 defeat in the first leg, Sparta rallied in front of their home fans, securing a resounding 4-1 win in Prague to advance 6-4 on aggregate. The team's top players, including Qazim Laçi, Lukás Haraslín, and Ángelo Preciado, have been instrumental in their success, and will want to showcase their capabilities in front of a wider audience as they square off against one of the world's biggest clubs.
However, Sparta face a formidable challenge against English clubs in Europe, with a poor record of just one win in their last 16 ties against teams from England. Additionally, the team's manager, Brian Priske, will need to rally his players to overcome their recent struggles in UEFA competition, having won just one of their last ten knockout ties.
Despite the daunting task ahead, Sparta Prague are determined to defy the odds and deliver a performance worthy of their status as one of the top clubs in the Czech Republic. With the backing of their passionate supporters and the guidance of Priske, Sparta are poised to give Liverpool a tough challenge on the European stage.
On the flip side, Liverpool enter the clash with Sparta Prague as favourites but with a sense of caution and respect for their opponents. Having already secured the League Cup title, Liverpool are enjoying an excellent season domestically and are eager to add another trophy to their collection in European competition.
Liverpool's journey to the last 16 of the Europa League was marked by a dominant performance in the group stage, topping Group E with impressive displays against Toulouse, Union Saint-Gilloise, and LASK.
Marred by an intense injury crisis that has seen them spend significant time without a number of senior players, standout performers such as Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Conor Bradley, and Alexis Mac Allister have really stepped up to the plate and have guided them through a tricky sit of fixtures.
However, Liverpool face a tough challenge away from home in the knockout round of the Europa League, having failed to win any of their last eleven away games in this stage of the competition. Despite their recent struggles on the road, manager Jürgen Klopp remains confident in his team's abilities and will be determined to guide them to victory against Sparta Prague as he chases a second European trophy with the club.
With the opportunity to add another Europa League title to their storied history, Liverpool are fully focused on the task at hand and are chasing a fourth Europa League crown, with the others coming in 1973, 1976 and 2001, which would make them the second most decorated team in this competition, behind only Sevilla (7).
Czech First League - Regular Season 
Premier League 
