The Czechs intend to extend their winning streak. Prediction for Sparta Prague vs Lillestrom
Sparta Prague and Lillestrom will meet on Thursday, October 15, in the second round of the UEFA Europa League league phase. The match will take place in Prague, with kickoff at 18:45 CET. I am backing a bet on the winner of this game.
H2H and statistical facts
- Sparta Prague are on a six-match winning streak.
- Lillestrom have conceded in four consecutive matches.
- The Czechs have scored first in six consecutive games.
- The teams have never faced each other before.
Sparta Prague
Sparta Prague began the new Czech league season with high ambitions, although their opening stretch was anything but straightforward. The team secured victories over mid-table opponents but then ran into serious difficulties against direct rivals. Defeats to Hradec Kralove and Slavia Prague showed that even a strong squad cannot guarantee consistency when the team loses control of the game.
However, by October, Sparta had noticeably improved their results. The Prague club thrashed Zizkov 5-0, beat Jablonec 2-0 and then comfortably defeated Sigma Olomouc away from home, 3-0. In their last match before facing Lillestrom, the team overcame Pardubice 2-0. Such a run should give the players confidence ahead of their European challenge.
Their European campaign started well, but after beating Lyon at home, Sparta suffered a heavy away defeat and were eliminated from the Champions League. In the Europa League, the Czechs also made a convincing start. In the opening round of the league phase, they travelled to Armenia and defeated Ararat-Armenia 4-1.
The team demonstrated clinical finishing and the ability to create danger in a variety of ways. Now the Prague side must confirm that result on home soil and claim another three points in the race to reach the next stage.
Lillestrom
Lillestrom are enjoying a decent season in the Norwegian league, which follows a spring-autumn calendar, meaning the team had already accumulated considerable match experience by October. The Norwegians are capable of producing quality football domestically, but their results remain inconsistent. Wins alternate with defeats, while matches against strong opponents regularly test the team's defensive organisation and psychological resilience.
Lillestrom's recent games have clearly highlighted both their strengths and weaknesses. The team thrashed Baerum 5-1 and beat Brann away from home 2-1, but between those successes they suffered a painful 0-3 defeat to Viking, while their previous match against Molde ended in a draw.
Lillestrom began their European campaign with a setback. In the opening round of the Europa League league phase, the Norwegian club hosted Torreense and lost 1-2. Despite their attacking approach and efforts to fight back, the team were unable to avoid defeat. It is worth noting that before that, the Norwegians had edged past Albania's Egnatia.
In the away leg, Lillestrom's primary objective must be to avoid mistakes early in the match. If the Norwegians allow Sparta to seize the initiative quickly, the hosts will be able to create chances regularly and force their opponents deeper towards their own goal. The visitors should rely on a compact defence, rapid counterattacks and set-piece situations.
Probable line-ups
- Sparta Prague: Surovcik, Sukhomel, Soch, Guddal, Zeleny, Macek, Sohurek, Karabek, Mercado, Brunes, Alcocer.
- Lillestrom: Dahlberg, Elkaer, Foss, Gabrielsen, Ranger, Ottosson, Kitolano, Nykheim, Bassi, Va, Gulbrandsen.
What to bet on?
Sparta Prague look like the favourites thanks to their home advantage, strong run of results and convincing start to the Europa League. Lillestrom are capable of scoring, but their defensive inconsistency could prove a serious problem against an opponent who have regularly created a high volume of dangerous chances in recent matches. If the Czechs maintain their usual intensity and do not allow the visitors to exploit counterattacks, they should comfortably take all three points. I am backing a home win with a -1 goal handicap.
