Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
Sparta Prague
Salzburg
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On Wednesday, September 18, the matches of the revamped UEFA Champions League format will continue. At 18:45 Central European Time, Sparta Prague will host Salzburg at their home stadium. A Dailysports analyst has prepared a prediction for this encounter.
Sparta Prague
The Czech side began their journey to the UEFA Champions League from the second qualifying round. Along the way, they thrashed Shamrock Rovers 6-2, defeated Steaua 4-3, and convincingly dispatched Malmö 4-0. Sparta returns to the main Champions League round for the first time since the 2005/06 season. The team has been crowned domestic champions for two consecutive years and currently sits atop the Czech league standings.
After seven rounds, Sparta has accumulated 19 points, making them the league leaders. However, their closest rival has a game in hand, and with a victory, they could draw level on points. Sparta's form is excellent. In their last five matches, they’ve won four and drawn once.
Salzburg
Last season marked the first time in 11 years that the team failed to win the Austrian Bundesliga title. They had previously claimed ten consecutive championships, but that streak has ended. To reach the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League, Salzburg had to go through qualification, starting from the third round. The Austrians overcame Twente 5-4 and defeated Dynamo 3-1.
Their situation in the Austrian Bundesliga has been somewhat unstable, though it can still be rectified. After four rounds, Salzburg sits in fifth place with nine points. However, they are just three points behind the top spot, with a game in hand, meaning they have every chance of climbing to the summit. In terms of form, Salzburg has won two of their last five matches, drawn two, and suffered one defeat.
Match Facts
- Sparta Prague are unbeaten in their last 14 matches: 11 wins and three draws.
- Salzburg have won eight of their last 11 matches.
Expected Lineups
- Sparta Prague: Vindahl; Vitik, Panak, Sorensen; Wiesner, Laci, Kairinen, Rynesh; Olatunji, Birmančević, Haraslín
- Salzburg: Blaswich; Dedich, Piontkowski, Baidu, Dagim; Diambo, Gloukh, Gourna-Douath; Ratkov, Yo, Nene
Head-to-Head
- In July this year, the teams played a friendly match, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Prediction
Both teams are attacking-minded and capable of delivering thrilling, vibrant football. It is clear that both Sparta and Salzburg are eager to start with a victory and will put forth their maximum effort. I’m inclined to bet that both teams will score. The odds for this outcome are 1.53.
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