Six wins without conceding: prediction for Sparta Prague vs Bournemouth
On November 5, Sparta Prague will host Bournemouth in the fourth round of the Europa League league phase. The English club come into the match with a perfect record in the competition and sit third in the table. The Czechs are 16th and will be looking to end their poor run in front of their home fans.
Sparta Prague: struggles in front of goal and hope of home advantage
Brian Priske's team made an inconsistent start to their Europa League campaign. After a confident 4-1 win over Ararat-Armenia came a 1-1 draw with Lillestrøm, followed by a narrow 0-1 defeat to Olympiacos. The main problem remains their attack: Sparta have failed to score in four of their last five matches across all competitions. In the Czech league, Sparta trail leaders Slavia by eight points and have already been knocked out of the domestic cup.
Further difficulties have been caused by injuries to Matej Rynes, Adam Karabec, Magnus Kofod Andersen and Emmanuel Uchenna. John Mercado, who has scored seven goals this season, is also a doubt. At the same time, Sparta's home record in European competition offers reason for optimism: they have lost just one of their last nine home matches in UEFA tournaments.
Bournemouth: perfect start in Europe and an impenetrable defence
After a difficult start to the season, Bournemouth have hit impressive form under Marco Rose. The English side have won six matches in a row with an aggregate score of 16-0. During this run, the team thrashed Milan, Manchester United and Aston Villa by identical 3-0 scorelines before beating Leeds 2-0. Bournemouth have also taken maximum points in the Europa League, defeating Real Sociedad 2-1, Sturm 3-0 and Milan 3-0.
However, injury problems persist. Alex Scott continues to recover from a hamstring injury, while Alex Toth and Julián Araujo are also unavailable. Bafodé Diakité could return to the starting lineup despite facing suspension with another booking. In attack, particular attention will be on Evanilson, who has scored five goals in his last six matches. Eli Junior Kroupi and Ben Gannon-Doak are also competing for a starting spot.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Bournemouth have won all three of their Europa League league-phase matches with an aggregate score of 8-1
- The English club have won six matches in a row across all competitions without conceding a goal
- Sparta have lost just one of their last nine home matches in UEFA competitions
Will the English side's winning run continue: prediction for Sparta Prague vs Bournemouth
Bournemouth look like clear favourites thanks to their defensive stability and attacking output. Rose's team have performed confidently against opponents of varying quality, while Sparta are struggling even in domestic competitions.
Home advantage could help Sparta put up a fight, but their problems with creating and converting chances make the hosts' prospects doubtful. The visitors are capable of controlling the game and securing another win without conceding.
