Sparta Prague's journey in the 2023-24 Europa League has been eventful, including victories over Dinamo Zagreb and a dramatic win against Galatasaray in the last round.
Although Sparta Prague has had success in Europe, they face a formidable opponent in Liverpool, who have a rich history in European competitions. Liverpool's recent form has been impressive, with notable wins in the Premier League and EFL Cup. However, their away record in Europa League knockout games hasn't been great, with no wins in their last 11 such matches.
Despite their injury concerns, Liverpool enters the match on a six-game winning streak. However, their previous encounter with Sparta Prague ended in a goalless draw back in 2010-11. This sets the stage for an intriguing clash between two strong teams vying for a spot in the Europa League quarter-finals.
However, Sparta Prague has only managed to win one out of their last 16 matches against English teams in European competitions. As Liverpool heads to the Czech Republic, they've already broken one away curse earlier this month, although it was under controversial circumstances at Nottingham Forest's City Ground.
Benefiting from a questionable drop-ball decision, Jurgen Klopp's team secured their first-ever Premier League away win against Nottingham Forest, thanks to Darwin Nunez's goal in the 99th minute, keeping them in control of their pursuit of multiple trophies.
Despite the controversy, Liverpool remains one point ahead of Manchester City. They've already clinched the EFL Cup and are eagerly anticipating an FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United. As they restart their Europa League campaign, Liverpool topped Group E as expected, despite facing setbacks with away losses to Toulouse and Union SG.
Despite their recent triumphs, Liverpool has struggled in Europa League knockout games away from home, failing to win any of their last 11 such matches. Their last away victory in this stage of the competition was against the now-defunct Romanian club Unirea Urziceni back in 2009-10.
Liverpool's current form looks promising with a six-game winning streak across all competitions, despite concerns about injuries. However, their previous visit to Sparta Prague's home ground in the 2010-11 season ended in a goalless draw, setting the stage for an intriguing rematch.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Three Sparta Prague players - captain Ladislav Krejci, top assister Veljko Birmancevic, and left-back Matej Rynes - are now cleared to play in the Europa League after missing the second-leg match against Galatasaray due to suspension.However, right-back Andreas Vindheim won't be available for Europa League action due to a season-ending injury, and there are concerns about centre-back Filip Panak's status after being substituted at halftime during the weekend's draw with Slavia Prague.
In his absence, Asger Sorensen and Patrik Vydra are potential replacements in defense, while Jan Kuchta, who has scored in his last three Europa League matches, is expected to lead the attack.
On the Liverpool side, there are no players suspended or nearing suspension. Manager Jurgen Klopp received a boost in the fitness department with Darwin Nunez, Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Andrew Robertson all available for selection after being fit to participate in the narrow victory against Nottingham Forest.
However, Liverpool's medical staff are still hard at work as several key players remain sidelined. Joel Matip, Ben Doak, Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones, Alisson Becker, Stefan Bajcetic, and Ryan Gravenberch are all ruled out for the first leg due to various injuries.
Mohamed Salah, recovering from a thigh injury, is expected to return to training soon, but Klopp may opt to be cautious with him, especially with a crucial match against Manchester City looming on the horizon.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Sparta Prague possible starting lineup:Vindahl; Vitik, Krejci, Sorensen; Preciado, Kairinen, Laci, Rynes; Birmancevic, Kuchta, Haraslin
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Kelleher; Gomez, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; McConnell, Endo, Szoboszlai; Elliott, Gakpo, Koumas
EXPERT PREDICTION
Sparta Prague 2-2 Liverpool
Liverpool faces tough decisions in team selection due to key players missing and an upcoming clash with Manchester City. Given these challenges, the Reds might aim for a draw in Prague for the first leg, preferring to finish the job at Anfield in the return match.
