Best odds: 3/1
Bookmaker:
Attempting to reverse a two-goal disadvantage, Sparta Prague is set to welcome Dinamo Zagreb to the Letna Stadium, also known as the epet ARENA, for the second leg of their Europa League playoff clash on Thursday night.
Dinamo, having achieved a 3-1 victory in the initial leg, will be focused on completing their mission and clinching a spot in the Europa League group stage as they journey to Czechia.
Sparta Prague
After missing out on European competition last season, Sparta Prague will at least be playing in the Europa Conference League this term. However, their prospects of advancing to the Europa League group stage are not looking good after the defeat in Zagreb.
Sparta seemed poised to go into halftime with the lead when Ladislav Krejci converted a penalty in the 39th minute. However, Dinamo quickly equalized five minutes later through Dario Spikic. Second-half goals from Dino Peric and Luka Ivanusec put the Croatian team in the driver seat.
Brian Priske s men responded with a 3-1 victory over Karvina in the Czech First League on Sunday, ending a three-game winless streak across all competitions. Adam Karabec and Matej Rynes scored for Sparta before Karabec was sent off for violent conduct just before the hour mark. Although a late goal from Karvina s Rajmund Mikus added tension to the match, David Pavelka s strike restored the two-goal lead for Sparta, maintaining their undefeated start to the new league season.
Sparta has won six of their last nine home matches in all competitions. However, their most recent European match at home, just two weeks ago, ended in disappointment as they were eliminated in the third round of Champions League qualifying by Copenhagen after a 3-3 draw and a 4-2 defeat in a penalty shootout.
In Thursday s match, Sparta is aiming for a better outcome. To beat Dinamo on aggregate, they will need to elevate their performance. They had previously prevailed against Dinamo via the away goals rule in Europa League qualifying, drawing 3-3 over two legs in a first-round qualifier during the 2008/09 season.
Team News
Following the alterations made to the squad that secured a victory against Karvina the previous weekend, Priske is expected to revert to a lineup resembling the one that began the first leg against Dinamo Zagreb.
In defense, Krejci and Filip Panak are likely to make a return to the central-back positions, partnering with Asger Sorensen. On the flanks, Tomas Wiesner and Jaroslav Zeleny could fill the wing-back roles on either side of the midfield duo comprised of Lukas Sadilek and Kaan Kairinen.
For the attacking positions, Veljko Birmancevic and Lukas Haraslin are expected to reclaim their spots. In the front line, Rynes, Victor Olatunji, and Jan Kutcha will all compete for the remaining position.
Dinamo Zagreb
inamo Zagreb s triumph in the first leg against Sparta marked their inaugural victory under the guidance of new head coach Sergej Jakirovic, who took over from Igor Biscan mere hours after their exit from Champions League qualifying almost two weeks ago.
Since he got the job, Jakirovic has led his team to two consecutive wins. With a 2-1 victory over Rijeka in the Croatian 1. HNL derby last Sunday, secured by goals from Marko Bulat and Bruno Petkovic, Dinamo have extended their unbeaten run away from home to eight matches. However, despite their successes, they currently trail league leaders Hajduk Split by eight points in the standings.
Now, at the helm of his squad s preparation for another challenging encounter against Sparta on Thursday, the 46-year-old coach has emphasized the importance of thorough preparation for the second leg. He believes that proper preparation will be key for their advancement to the Europa League group stage.
With an eight-game unbeaten streak away from home, Dinamo enters the match in Czechia with confidence. Furthermore, in their four previous meetings against Sparta across all competitions, Dinamo are yet to taste defeat.
Team News
Ivan Nevistic has been the goalkeeper in the last two matches following the departure of Dominik Livakovic to Fenerbahce last week. Nevistic is expected to maintain his position in the starting lineup on Thursday.
In defense, Peric and Stefan Ristovski are likely to continue as the center-back partnership. Meanwhile, Martin Baturina is aiming for his third consecutive start in the midfield, possibly ahead of Bohdan Mykhaylichenko.
Having recently ended a seven-game goal drought, Bruno Petkovic is expected to lead the attacking line once again. Croatian striker Josip Drmic, as well as Mahir Emreli, are likely to start on the bench.
Conclusion
Sparta have the responsibility of taking the initiative against Dinamo Zagreb on their own turf and must exhibit a stronger attacking presence in the final third if they intend to overturn the two-goal deficit.
Nevertheless, Dinamo seem to have experienced a positive shift in momentum under Jakirovic s leadership. As a result, the Croatian side is likely to secure another victory, securing their spot in the Europa League group stage.
Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 3/1
Bookmaker:
